Which of the following is an example of constructive dismissal?

Which of the following is an example of constructive dismissal?

• A. A minor renegotiation of vacation days with notice
• B. A temporary layoff lasting less than lawful limit with payment
• C. Requiring a major relocation across the country
• D. A small hourly wage adjustment with employee agreement

Answer: (C)

Constructive dismissal happens when an employer unilaterally makes a fundamental change to essential terms of the employment contract, effectively terminating the relationship even though the employee isn’t formally fired. Requiring a major relocation across the country fits this idea because moving the job to a different location fundamentally alters the core terms of the agreement. If the employee doesn’t consent, this kind of drastic change is treated as a dismissal and gives the employee options like resignation with potential severance. The other scenarios involve either temporary measures or changes made with the employee’s agreement, so they do not amount to a dismissal.

Constructive dismissal happens when an employer unilaterally makes a fundamental change to essential terms of the employment contract, effectively terminating the relationship even though the employee isn’t formally fired. Requiring a major relocation across the country fits this idea because moving the job to a different location fundamentally alters the core terms of the agreement. If the employee doesn’t consent, this kind of drastic change is treated as a dismissal and gives the employee options like resignation with potential severance. The other scenarios involve either temporary measures or changes made with the employee’s agreement, so they do not amount to a dismissal.