Most employees in Washington have heard the phrase “at-will employment,” but many are unsure what it actually means. Some workers mistakenly believe that employers can fire employees for any reason whatsoever. Others assume that any termination they believe is unfair automatically gives them a legal claim. The truth lies somewhere in between. While Washington is an at-will employment state, employers do not have unlimited power when it comes to firing employees. Numerous federal and state laws protect workers from wrongful termination, and understanding these protections can help employees recognize when a termination crosses the line from lawful to unlawful. What Is At-Will Employment in Washington? Under Washington’s at-will employment doctrine, employers generally have the right to terminate an employee at