In most instances, an employment contract will not state its expiration date. In such a case, the contract may be terminated at any time by either party. If the employment contract does not have a definite duration, it is terminable at will. This is called employment at will. Under the employment at will doctrine, the employer has historically been allowed to terminate the contract at any time for any reason or for no reason. Some State Courts and some State Legislatures have changed this rule by limiting the power of the employer to discharge the employee without cause.
The Missouri At-Will Employment Agreement is a legal arrangement between an employer and an employee in the state of Missouri, United States. It establishes the understanding that the employment relationship can be terminated by either party, the employer or the employee, at any time and for any reason, as long as it is not prohibited by law or does not violate any contractual agreement. The concept of at-will employment means that no cause or formal justification is required to terminate the employment relationship. This arrangement provides flexibility to both the employer and the employee, granting them the freedom to end the employment association without any legal consequences or liabilities, except in cases where exceptions apply. In Missouri, there are certain exceptions to at-will employment. Some of these exceptions can occur when an employer violates public policy or engages in wrongful termination prohibited by federal or state law. If an employee believes they were terminated based on discriminatory factors such as race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, age, or other protected characteristics, they may have grounds for pursuing legal action against the employer. However, it is important to note that the Missouri At-Will Employment Agreement does not grant unlimited rights to employers or provide absolute job security to employees. Employees may still have certain contractual agreements, such as employment contracts or collective bargaining agreements, that could modify the at-will employment relationship. Additionally, other types of employment agreements can exist apart from the general at-will arrangement. These may include: 1. Contracts with specified terms: These agreements set a specific duration for the employment relationship, such as a fixed-term employment contract. The employment is still considered at-will during the specified term unless otherwise noted in the contract. 2. Implied contracts: Implied contracts are formed based on the actions, words, or behavior of the employer and employee, which give rise to an expectation of continued employment. Employment handbooks, policies, or employer practices can contribute to the formation of an implied contract. 3. Collective bargaining agreements: In situations where employees are part of a labor union, a collective bargaining agreement may dictate the terms and conditions of employment. These agreements usually provide job security provisions and restrict the employer's right to terminate without just cause. However, in the absence of any specific contractual agreement, the general principle of Missouri At-Will Employment Agreement prevails, allowing both parties to end the employment relationship at any time and for any reason not prohibited by law.
