Employment Lawyers Fighting for Workers’ Rights in New Jersey, Pennsylvania & Throughout the United States

Can You Be Fired For Your Political Views?

Can You Be Fired For Your Political Views

In today’s environment, many people are arguing about politics. Politics are a hot-button topic, leading to some potentially volatile situations. It can be especially uncomfortable if your political view differs from that of your employer or from the rest of the workers at your job. You might wonder if it is legal for you to be fired because of your politics and how free speech might factor in. The attorneys at Swartz Swidler believe that it is important for you to understand how politics might be used as a reason for firing you.

Your boss is allowed to fire you because of politics

Pennsylvania and New Jersey are both at-will employment states. Unless you meet an exception to the at-will rule, your employer can fire you for any legal reason at any time. Your employer would be able to terminate you legally simply because your boss doesn’t like the political views that you’ve expressed online or at work. If your employer is using your political views to mask a discriminatory reason, then it would be illegal. For example, if you are fired because of political discussions concerning religion, race or gender issues, you might have grounds to file a lawsuit depending on what happened.

Schedule an appointment today. Call (856) 685-7420 or

Schedule an appointment today.
Call (856) 685-7420 or

Free speech rights

Many people have mistaken beliefs about the protections of the First Amendment. The First Amendment prohibits the government from taking actions to limit speech. Private-sector employers are private actors. This means that since no governmental action is involved in your workplace if you are in the private sector, the protections of the First Amendment won’t apply.

At-will employment exceptions

Some workers are not at-will employees because they meet an exception, including the following:

  • Some civil service workers who work in jobs requiring a just cause for termination
  • Employees under a collective bargaining agreement
  • People with signed employment contracts

Contact Swartz Swidler to learn more about your rights

If you were fired for expressing your political views but believe that your employer really terminated you because of a prohibited reason, you may have the grounds to file a wrongful termination or discrimination claim. To learn more about your rights, contact the experienced employment law team at Swartz Swidler today to schedule your consultation.

Most Frequently Asked Question: Do I Have A Case?

While it is true that every case is different, The law is pretty clear in most cases. The best way to determine if you have a case is to contact one of our attorneys. For more information check out the FAQ below or visit our FAQ Page

Most Frequently Asked Question:
Do I Have A Case?

While it is true that every case is different, The law is pretty clear in most cases. The best way to determine if you have a case is contact one of our attorneys. For more information on a just a few scenarios checkout the flip box FAQ below or visit our FAQ Page.

Our Locations

Haddonfield Headquarters

9 Tanner Street, Ste. 101
Haddonfield, NJ 08033

Phone: (856) 685-7420
Fax: (856) 685-7417

Philadelphia Satellite Office

123 South 22nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Phone: (215) 995-2733

Our Locations

Haddonfield Headquarters

9 Tanner Street, Ste. 101
Haddonfield, NJ 08033

Phone: (856) 685-7420
Fax: (856) 685-7417

 

Philadelphia Satellite Office

123 South 22nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Phone: (215) 995-2733