This means that an employer generally has the right to terminate an employee at any time, without notice, and for no reason. However, there are three exceptions to this rule:

• Unlawful Discrimination as defined by laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, and the Wrongful Discharge Against Public Policy law of North Carolina.
• Violation of North Carolina Public Policy as set forth in the Wrongful Discharge Against Public Policy law of North Carolina and the North Carolina Retaliatory Employment Discrimination Act.
• Breach of an Employment Contract is the violation of an agreement, either by failing to perform a promise or by interfering with the other party's performance.  These contracts include negotiated terms and conditions of employment such as the duration of employment and the circumstances under which an employee may be terminated.

For details, see the Wrongful Termination page.