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 Oklahoma At-Will Employment Agreement is a type of employment agreement that establishes a working relationship between an employer and an employee in the state of Oklahoma. In an at-will employment arrangement, both parties have the freedom to terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any reason, provided it is not unlawful or in violation of any contractual obligations. The fundamental characteristic of the Oklahoma At-Will Employment Agreement is that it does not specify a fixed duration for the employment relationship. This means that unless otherwise stated in the agreement, both the employer and employee can terminate the employment arrangement without prior notice. However, it is important to note that certain limitations exist under state and federal laws that prohibit termination based on discriminatory or retaliatory reasons. Although the primary type of Oklahoma At-Will Employment Agreement does not outline the terms of employment duration, there may be additional types that provide certain specifications. For instance, an explicit term agreement may be entered into, which establishes a specific time frame for the employment relationship or outlines conditions under which termination can occur. Such agreements are relatively uncommon in an at-will employment state like Oklahoma, but they can be used in some cases to provide additional job security or assurance for both parties. Nonetheless, it is important for both employers and employees to be aware of the rights and limitations associated with at-will employment in Oklahoma. Employers should ensure that termination decisions are not based on discriminatory factors such as race, gender, religion, disability, or age, as this would violate state and federal anti-discrimination laws. Similarly, employees should understand that their employment can be terminated by the employer at any time, regardless of performance, unless protected by specific employment contracts or collective bargaining agreements. Overall, the Oklahoma At-Will Employment Agreement offers flexibility to both employers and employees, allowing for termination at any time, though subject to compliance with relevant laws.
