Employment in Alabama

If you are employed at-will, that means that you can be terminated for any legal reason at any time. It means you were hired according to the employer's free choice for an unspecified time and have entered into no contract that says how long you will have employment. If you do have a contract, you cannot be terminated unless you breach the contract. This is a safety net you must know about.


As an employee, you have the right to enjoy reasonably safe working conditions. If you notice that your workplace has hazards that could easily cause serious injury or death, most companies will let you file a complaint without disclosing personal information. This protects you from being chastised by the employer.

You are also entitled to a workplace that is free of sexual harassment. This can include a workplace which the employer allows to be openly sexual, sexual comments or advances from an employer, or a system in which sexual favors are demanded in return for job benefits. These actions are highly illegal and Alabama state law can protect you from such situations.

If you think you have a case against your employer for sexual harassment, you would be wise to speak first with a licensed attorney. He or she will be acquainted with the many laws that are on the books concerning sexual harassment.

Wrongful Termination

Your employer may not terminate you because of your race, sex, age, disability, religion, country of origin, or pregnancy. An employer is also not allowed to take these factors into consideration when handing out promotions, wages, termination, or job assignments. An employer may not terminate you because you followed company policy, would not break a law, took leave through the Family Medical Leave Act, or filed a complaint about safety or discrimination. If you are under contract, you may not be fired for reasons that the contract does not mention.


If you have been terminated for no reason, federal and state laws may provide you with monetary compensation. If you have ceased working for your employer for a "good cause", you may also be eligible to receive unemployment compensation. The amount you may receive each week can range from $45 minimum to $220 maximum. The compensation you get will vary according to how much you had earned during employment. Unemployment benefits usually can last up to 26 weeks, but this will be different for everyone.