Asked in Employment Law for Pennsylvania

Q: If an employer verbally promises you a promotion, but gives it to someone with less experience, can you sue?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Andrew S. Abramson
PREMIUM
Andrew S. Abramson
Answered
  • Blue Bell, PA
  • Licensed in Pennsylvania

A: Pennsylvania is an “employment at will” jurisdiction, which means that an employee can not be promoted for no reason, or for any reason at all, unless the real reason you did not received the promotion is protected by the law. For instance if the real reason is based upon the employer discriminating against you on basis of age, race, sex, religion, national origin, disability or similar areas (protected class), or the violation of another federal or state statute there would be protection, otherwise there is not. Unfortunately, the law does not provide protection for simply treating any employee unfairly.

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