Types of Employment
“For Cause” Employment
A “for cause” employee is one who has contractual rights to remain an employee unless the employer has “just cause” for terminating the employee. A just cause employee must be provided notice before they can be terminated for cause. For purposes of “for cause” employment, “cause” is serious conduct that results in the employee’s termination. For instance, an employee who intentionally damages company property or steals from the employer can be terminated for cause. In North Carolina, the types of cause will be mentioned specifically in the employment contract between the employee and the employer.
“At Will” Employment
“At Will” Employment. North Carolina is an “at will” state. This means that employees are presumed to be at will unless the employee can prove otherwise. Proving that you are not an “At-Will” employee, requires proof of an employment contract, for a definite period of time. For the most part, if you do not have an employment contract, you are an “at-will” employee. At-Will employment allows either the employee or the employer to terminate the employment relationship, for any reason, at any time, without cause.