Legal Question in Employment Law in Illinois

Wrongful termination.

I terminated from employment several months ago after 6 years with the same company. At the time, I was never told specifically what I had done to cause the termination. Even after winning an unemployment appeal (the hearing officer determined there was no misconduct and that I hadn't been counseled or disciplined for over 6 months prior to discharge), the issues still didn't come out in my employer's testimony. I have requested a copy of my personnel records, until then I really can't answer questions on job applications about why I was terminated, because I still don't know. I understand that Illinois is an at-will state, but don't I have the legal right to know the specifics of my termination? Do I have any legal recourse should my personnel file contain damaging and/or untruthful statements that would prohibit my obtaining future employment? Thank you.


Asked on 6/25/03, 12:45 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Mary McDonagh McDonagh-Faherty Law Offices

Re: Wrongful termination.

Your personnel file will not affect your future employment because it is not public information. As far as why you were terminated, I do not know of any law that will force an employer to explain its reasons.

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Answered on 6/25/03, 3:06 pm


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