What is the term for the termination of employment without just cause?

The term for the termination of employment without just cause is wrongful dismissal. This term specifically refers to situations where an employee is terminated without a legitimate reason or in violation of the terms of their employment contract or applicable law.

When an employee is wrongfully dismissed, it typically implies that they have been let go in a way that violates their rights, without the employer providing sufficient justification or following due process. This can lead to legal action if an employee believes their termination was unjust.

In contrast, other options may refer to related but distinct concepts. For example, wrongful termination is often used interchangeably with wrongful dismissal but can also encompass a broader range of unfair employment practices. Unjust discharge specifically highlights the lack of fairness in the termination but is less commonly used in legal contexts. Retaliatory firing refers specifically to cases where an employee is terminated in response to a complaint or a protected action (like whistleblowing), which is a specific subset of wrongful termination behaviors.

Therefore, while all these terms touch on themes of unfair or unjust employment practices, wrongful dismissal most accurately captures the essence of termination without just cause within a legal framework.