In the majority of states, employees are considered "at will" employees. This means that the employer can change or terminate the employment relationship 'at will', with no notice and no reason, unless there is a contract with the employer. In the same way, the employee can terminate their employment 'at will'.

If you are an 'at-will' employee, your chances of successfully winning a wrongful discharge claim are slim, as your employer has the right to fire you for any reason (good, bad or indifferent) or no reason at all at any time - as long as all protections afforded by state and federal law have been followed. Where no wrong has been committed, 'at-will' employees have no remedy for employment termination.

There are a number of federal laws, in addition to state's laws, which protect an employee from being fired for reasons such as gender, race, color, nationality, religion,  age or disability, along with certain behaviors, such as refusing to violate a state's public policy or for being a "whistleblower". There are also some laws that state that notice should be given to employees before large employers may close plants.

If you suspect that your rights have been violated, you should consult with an attorney who is familiar with both the local and federal statutes protecting you..