If you are yet to read the contract guiding your employment, now is the best time to read through. It is not enough to get the job, you have to be acquainted with the rules and regulations of the company, especially violations that could lead to the termination of your employment.
Should a wrongful termination occur at your workplace, what can you do in terms of appealing and making your employer see reasons to recall you?
Let’s begin with the definition of wrongful termination.
What is a Wrongful Termination?
A wrongful termination is said to have occurred when an organisation or employer as the case may fire an employee for reasons that are in violation of labour laws or employment contracts. This is why it is important to familiarise yourself with your employment contract, not wait until a problem arises.
A wrongful termination can take place when an employee is fired for reasons which include discrimination or harassment. Also, if the organisation is notorious for issues related to race or gender bias, especially among its employees, such termination can be considered to be a wrongful termination.
Additionally, if an employee has just made a report about harassment, unsafe working conditions, or other issues related to their work and is fired thereafter, such action is considered a wrongful termination.
In summary, wrongful termination can occur as a result of breach of contact, retaliation, constructive discharge, or discrimination.
Now, let’s take a look at this example: a letter appealing a wrongful termination by a company’s Public Relations Officer.
It is important to note that organisations may differ in how they structure a letter appealing for wrongful termination. However, the example below represents a general way of writing a letter appealing for wrongful termination.
A Letter Appealing for Wrongful Termination
97, Awolowo way,
off Warders’ Barracks,
Ikoyi,
Lagos State.
November 15, 2024.
The Human Resources Lead
Zaenet Communications
46, Olowu Street,
Ikeja,
Lagos State.
Dear Madam,
Re: Appeal for Wrongful Termination
I write to formally appeal the decision to terminate my employment with Zaenet Communications, effective December 20, 2024.
I am convinced that my termination was wrongful and in violation of the company’s employment contract for the public relations department.
I was employed by Zaenet Communications as a public relations officer on June 6, 2024 for a year contract to execute the existing and recent projects undertaken by the organisation on behalf of Dr. John Boyeji.
So far, I have exceeded the company’s expectations for all projects and also won the company the best corporate communications provider in West Africa.
Two weeks ago, I wrote to the company about the tribal discrimination that had been ongoing for a while in the organisation, displayed by my direct supervisor, which I believe had resulted in this wrongful termination.
I have attached the letter submitted to the organisation, as well as evidence supporting my claims and report to follow up my appeal.
I respectfully request you conduct a thorough investigation with consideration for my commitment to Zaenet Communications and what I still have to offer the company. Thank you for the opportunity to revisit this matter.
I look forward to your prompt response.
Sincerely,
Stephen Favour
