Effects

• The "at will" employment laws in Michigan allow for an employee who is performing all expected duties properly and obeying company rules to still be fired from his job. A stellar job performance will not protect the employee from termination.
  
  

Considerations

• Employment law in Michigan assumes an employee is under "at will" employment unless there is documentation stating otherwise, like an employee handbook or contract. An employment contract that defines the acceptable reasons for termination overrides the "at will" policy under state law. Statements in a company handbook can be interpreted as voiding the "at will" policy in court.
  
  

Misconceptions

• The "at will" employment laws in Michigan do not allow an employer to use a reason for terminating a worker that violates other laws. Employers cannot fire an employee based on gender, religion, race, or other forms of discrimination that are illegal under federal laws. The "at will" concept is not enforceable against an employee who is exercising a federal right, such as taking a leave of absence for military duty.