THE MUNDACA LAW FIRM

Where to Report Wrongful Termination

05/10/2025 | The Mundaca Law Firm |

If you’ve been fired and believe it was unfair or unlawful, knowing where to report wrongful termination is the first step toward holding your employer accountable. While employment in most states, including Maryland, is “at-will,” there are several exceptions that protect employees from being terminated for illegal reasons—such as discrimination, retaliation, or breach of contract.

In this blog, we’ll break down the agencies and steps involved in reporting wrongful termination and guide you through what to expect from the process.

Step 1: Understand If Your Termination Was Illegal

Before you file a complaint, determine whether your firing was truly wrongful under the law. Not every unfair firing is illegal. Wrongful termination typically involves being fired for reasons like:

  • Discrimination based on race, gender, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics
  • Retaliation for reporting harassment, wage violations, or unsafe working conditions
  • Refusing to engage in illegal activities
  • Taking protected leave (such as under FMLA)
  • Reporting discrimination or participating in a workplace investigation

If any of these apply to your situation, you may have grounds to report your employer.

Step 2: Report to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

If your termination involved discrimination or retaliation, your primary resource is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This federal agency enforces anti-discrimination laws and investigates unlawful employment practices.

How to File:

  • Visit the EEOC website and complete an online intake questionnaire
  • Or visit your local EEOC office to file in person
  • You can also call their hotline to speak with an agent

In most cases, you must file within 180 to 300 days of your termination, depending on your state and whether state laws also apply. Maryland employees usually have 300 days due to overlapping state protections.

The EEOC may attempt mediation, conduct an investigation, or issue a “Right to Sue” letter, allowing you to file a lawsuit.

Step 3: File with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR)

Maryland has its own state agency that enforces workplace discrimination laws: the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR).

This agency investigates claims of:

  • Workplace discrimination
  • Retaliation
  • Harassment

You can file a complaint directly with the MCCR instead of or in addition to the EEOC. In some cases, filing with one agency automatically dual-files the complaint with the other.

Step 4: Report to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)

If you believe you were terminated for reasons related to:

  • Unpaid wages or overtime
  • Requesting protected leave (FMLA)
  • Filing a workplace safety complaint (OSHA)
  • Union activity or organizing

You may be able to report your employer to the U.S. Department of Labor. The DOL oversees wage and hour laws, leave protections, and whistleblower retaliation under various labor statutes.

Each type of violation falls under a different DOL division. For example:

  • Wage issues go to the Wage and Hour Division
  • Safety violations go to OSHA
  • Whistleblower claims may go to DOL’s Whistleblower Protection Program

Visit dol.gov to find the right contact for your situation.

Step 5: Consult a Wrongful Termination Lawyer

Filing with a government agency isn’t your only option. If you believe your termination involved breach of contract, retaliation, or violation of your legal rights, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit.

This is where working with wrongful termination lawyers in Maryland can be invaluable. An attorney can:

  • Review your case to see if your termination was unlawful
  • Help you file agency complaints within deadlines
  • Negotiate a settlement or represent you in court

They’ll also help you recover potential damages like lost wages, emotional distress, and legal fees. Most employment lawyers offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless you win.

Step 6: Use Whistleblower Hotlines or External Resources

If your firing involved exposing illegal activities within the company (like fraud, environmental violations, or public safety risks), you may qualify as a whistleblower under federal or state laws.

Whistleblower protections often include special hotlines or reporting mechanisms:

  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) handles whistleblower cases across more than 20 statutes
  • Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) accepts reports of corporate fraud
  • Maryland Office of the Inspector General (OIG) can investigate misconduct in public sector jobs

Reporting through these channels can also trigger investigations and protect you from retaliation.

Step 7: Keep Thorough Records

Before and after you report your employer, it’s critical to document:

  • Your termination notice or emails
  • Any incidents of harassment or retaliation
  • Performance reviews and communication with HR
  • Dates and details of complaints or reports you filed

This evidence will support your claim and strengthen your case, whether you’re dealing with a government agency or a legal team.

Final Thoughts

Wrongful termination can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Knowing where to report your employer—whether it’s the EEOC, MCCR, DOL, or through legal channels—can be your first step toward justice. If you believe you were fired for an illegal reason, take action quickly, keep detailed records, and seek legal guidance.

Protect your rights and hold your employer accountable. Help is out there—you just need to know where to look.