Wrongful Termination in Vermont
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Vermont recognizes wrongful termination for public policy violations and implied good faith; strong whistleblower and retaliation protections exist.
How Vermont treats Wrongful Termination
Vermont permits wrongful termination claims when an employer fires an employee for reasons that violate public policy, including jury duty, military service, voting, and reporting illegal activity. The state recognizes an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing in employment contracts, which can support wrongful termination claims even absent an express written agreement. Vermont has strong whistleblower protections that cover employees reporting violations of law to government agencies or the public. Employees must demonstrate the termination was motivated by the protected activity or that the employer violated an established public policy or implied contractual duty.
The general definition of Wrongful Termination
Illegal firing of an employee in violation of law, contract, or public policy.
Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee for an illegal reason or in violation of an employment contract or established public policy. Common illegal reasons include retaliation for reporting safety violations, discrimination based on race or gender, refusal to commit an illegal act, or exercising a legal right like jury duty. In most US states, employment is at-will, meaning employers can fire workers for almost any reason, but there are important exceptions. An employee who is wrongfully terminated can sue for damages, including lost wages and emotional distress.
Read the full Wrongful Termination entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Vermont.