HIGHLIGHTS: The California Legislature passed numerous labor and employment bills that Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law in 2016. Many of the new laws relate to wage and hour, leave and benefits, hiring practices, health and safety, and various other workplace protections.
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Jurisdiction
Enforcement of the law regarding termination is under the jurisdiction of the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) of California's Department of Industrial Standards Enforcement. The DLSE enforces laws on final pay and vacation pay in cases of employment termination. The DLSE also has jurisdiction when an employee has been terminated for engaging in a protected activity, such as participation in jury duty, filing a complaint with the DLSE, providing testimony about such a complaint or complaining about safety concerns in the workplace.
Other Jurisdictions
Termination 'at will' may be limited by other factors over which the DLSE does not have jurisdiction. Collective bargaining agreements can have terms for termination. Terminated employees were working under a union contract should contact their union representatives for more information. In cases of discrimination based on 'race, religion, gender, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, age (over 40), sexual orientation or denial of family medical leave,' the DLSE's information sheet directs employees to contact the Department of Fair Employment and Housing. In cases involving assault or the threat of physical danger, employees should contact local law enforcement. Employees should seek legal assistance to file a lawsuit in civil court for other forms of harassment.
Final Pay
When an employer discharges an employee, all of the wages due to an employee must be paid at the place where the employee is discharged. If the employee quits without notice, the employer must pay final wages within 72 hours. If the employee gives notice at least 72 hours in advance, the employer must pay final wages at the time the employee leaves work. Unless the employee requests that the payment be mailed, the employer must pay him at the employer's office or agency. An employer who fails to pay final wages may be required to pay the employee, after termination, for up to 30 days or until the wages are paid.
Vacation Pay
Employers are not obligated to provide paid vacation time under California law. If an employer has a paid vacation policy, however, the paid time is considered earned wages. Upon termination, the employer must include payment for accrued vacation time in the employee's final paycheck.
Wrongful Termination
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The 'at will' employment relationship is subject to several other limitations. Legal assistance may be helpful in such cases. If an employer has issued a handbook that specifies procedures for discipline and termination, for example, a terminated employee may have a case for wrongful termination if the employer's stated procedures were not followed. Other limits have been established under California case law that restrict employers' legal ability to terminate employment 'at will.' An employer cannot legally fire an employee for refusing to do something illegal or injurious to the public, for example.
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