Restrictions on Firing Employees in Rhode Island

Employers in Rhode Island are subject to these state rules that restrict firing employees under certain circumstances.

Rhode Island laws make it unlawful for an employer to:

• require employees to take a polygraph test
• discriminate against employees because of jury service
• fire for union activity
• deny equal employment opportunity
• violate protections for veterans or reservists
• retaliate against an employee for filing a wage complaint
• fire an employee for refusing to work on Sundays or certain holidays, or for exercising family leave rights
• fire an employee for having wages withheld for child support