Can you sue if your position is eliminated?

Asked by: Mrs. Danika Schneider Jr.  |  Last update: July 15, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (30 votes)

Handled improperly, an employer may be accused of using the position elimination as a pretext for what would otherwise be an unlawful termination. A former employee may attempt to sue an employer for wrongful discharge within state and federal statute of limitations time frames.

What happens if a company eliminates your position?

If you receive a notification or letter stating your position is being eliminated, you'll typically work a few more weeks at the company helping them wrap up or reassign any responsibilities you were previously working on.

Can I sue if my job was eliminated?

No, you can't sue to get your job back or for damages. if you were laid off, this is a common practice by businesses as the demand for services or product changes. Apply for unemployment & move on.

Do you get severance if your job is eliminated?

You can typically receive severance pay and unemployment in California. If you are eligible to receive unemployment benefits, California severance pay laws allow you to receive severance benefits simultaneously.

Can you sue a company for being demoted?

Under the federal and state discrimination laws, you can sue for a demotion if the reason for the demotion was discriminatory--ie, the demotion was because of your age, sex, race, national orientation, religion, disability, etc.

🔴 My PG&E position was eliminated, now what?

19 related questions found

What is a wrongful demotion?

A wrongful demotion is a situation where an employer demotes an employee without any valid reason, such as poor performance or disciplinary action. This type of demotion can be a violation of employment laws, including discrimination laws.

Do I have to accept a demotion?

It is generally unlawful for an employer to unilaterally impose demotion on an employee, where it would be tantamount to changing the terms of their contract of employment without their agreement.

Can I collect unemployment if my position is eliminated?

You are almost always eligible for benefits if you were laid off due to lack of work, and you may even be eligible if you were fired or if you quit. You must also meet certain criteria, such as a requirement that you must be looking for another job.

What to say when your position is eliminated?

Highlight your accomplishments, skills, and experiences. Tailor your materials to match the roles you're interested in. Be honest about your situation—mention that your position was eliminated due to organizational changes.

How much is severance pay usually?

The severance pay offered is typically one to two weeks for every year worked, but it can be more. If the job loss will create an economic hardship, discuss this with your former employer. The general practice is to try to get four weeks of severance pay for each year worked.

How do you justify a position elimination?

Reason for elimination: Clearly explain the business reason behind the decision, such as organizational restructuring, budget constraints, or operational changes. Effective date: Specify the employee's final working day to provide the greatest possible clarity on the timeline.

How long after you eliminate a position can you rehire?

To avoid potential legal issues, it's best to wait at least six months before filling any positions that you have frozen or eliminated — unless you decide to re-employ the person you originally laid off in the same or a similar role.

Can you sue for more severance pay?

Yes, you can sue if the severance package did not include a release. However, if you signed a release, suing becomes more difficult.

Can you sue if your position was eliminated?

California recognizes a number of illegal reasons for laying off employees. If an employer lays off an employee for an illegal reason, the employee may file a lawsuit and seek damages.

How do you deal with job elimination?

How to cope with job loss
  1. Take stock of how you feel. Job loss can make you feel a range of emotions. ...
  2. Turn to your loved ones for support. ...
  3. Figure out your finances. ...
  4. Expand your social reach. ...
  5. Take time for yourself. ...
  6. Decide which job you'd like next. ...
  7. Reach out to your network. ...
  8. Create a portfolio.

What is it called when a company terminates a position?

While employees who have been terminated vs laid off from a job might say they've been fired by their company, HR professionals know this isn't always an accurate description. Termination is a broad term that simply means the employee-employer relationship has ended. A termination can be voluntary or involuntary.

What are my rights when my job is eliminated?

If you've lost your job, you have certain rights, such as the right to continue your health care coverage and, in some cases, the right to unemployment compensation.

Is position eliminated the same as fired?

Layoff / position eliminated are largely the same thing, except layoff has a more temporary connotation. If they are going to replace you with somebody else in the same position, that's just a termination. If they are not re-filling the position, it's accurate to say the position was eliminated.

What is another word for eliminating a position?

Synonyms of fire are: dismiss, make someone redundant, give the sack, give the axe, sack. -to get the sack To be dismissed from employment.

How much unemployment will I get if I make $1000 a week?

California Unemployment Calculator

If you make $1000 per week in California, your estimated weekly benefit is $450 for up to 26 weeks.

Can I refuse a position change?

If the employee refuses to accept the additional or changed job duties, declines the new title or pay rate, or otherwise rejects the new terms of employment, the employer may terminate the employee (or correspondingly, the employee could just quit.)

Can I collect unemployment if my job description changes?

This will depend on how significant the change is. The more drastic the changes, the more likely it is that you will be justified in quitting. The general issue is whether a “reasonable person” would choose to quit their job rather than put up with the changes.

Can you sue for unfair demotion?

If you have suffered an unfair demotion at work, then a wrongful demotion lawsuit will be your best bet for clearing your name and getting your career back on track. But before you begin your lawsuit, it's vital to know how to prove your claims.

Can you get unemployment if you refuse a demotion?

If you refuse the demotion and "resign," you can still apply for unemployment.

Should I quit if I get demoted?

After getting demoted, you can also decide whether you want to keep working at your company or leave it and pursue a new job. If you're passionate about your previous role and want to regain it, you might want to keep working at your company.