Having a job and job security are important concerns for most Texans. Because of the importance of a job for workers and their families, legal protections exist to ensure workers are properly protected. A Texas man recently brought a lawsuit against his employer for wrongful termination. The man asserts he was unlawfully terminated from his job last year. The 63-year old man worked for the company since 1970. According to the man, he was qualified for the position and capable of performing the job but was dismissed because of his age.
The man was led to believe his termination was due to customer dissatisfaction but that the customer in question did not cancel its account and that he was misled to believe it did. The man asserts that his dismissal was based on unlawful business practices, that he was replaced with a younger employee, and that the company has a history of discriminating against older workers. He is seeking reinstatement with back pay or lost pay if he is not reinstated, as well as damages for pain and suffering.
In Texas, workers over the age of 40 who have experienced employment discrimination may file a claim with the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division. Discrimination against employees over the age of 40 is prohibited under both federal law and state law in Texas. Remedies may vary but it is common that an employee will be asked to waive their rights if a settlement, such as a severance agreement, is reached with the employer. There are several requirements that must be met for the waiver of rights to be considered valid.
It is important for workers in the state of Texas to be familiar with legal protections available to them if they have been wrongfully terminated. Employees should not have to worry about being unlawfully terminated which is why legal resources, options and remedies are available to help them if they are.