I just had a very strange employment experience (long story short - hired the 2nd, started the 5th, dismissed the 14th, no real explanation as to why.) So I’m considering retaining counsel, but I’d like to figure what my standing actually is. So what I need is a resource on labor law on the web. I’m in California, if that helps.
And in general, I’ve found very little helpful on the web. I’ve tried http://www.findlaw.com, but that didn’t prove useful.
IANAL, but my understanding is that employers have 3 months from the time you start a new position, to fire you without having to give a reason.
You’re probably SOL…
Al.
California is an “at will” employment state which means that you can be let go… without reason… without any notice whatsover, whenever the employer wants. At the same time you can quit, without reason… without any notice (although we generally give two weeks notice) whatsoever, whenever you want (you’re not a slave).
Unless you feel there was some sort of illegal discrimiation or sexual harrassment involved I don’t see how you can sue them.
Yes, I realize that California is an “at will” state, it’s just that what happened to me was so strange and so outside of my normal experience that . . . well, I want to know what the hell happened. And the lack of information on the web was almost as baffling as the experience itself. I suppose that’s what I’m really after here, where can I go for good legal reference so I don’t spend time spinning my wheels.
Ok I admit didn’t read the thoroughly since time here is 5:24AM and I haven’t slept at all.
California Labor Code.
California Law.
A couple of thoughts from an attorney who used to work in California Labor Code law:
It’s a good thing *alice isn’t an attorney.
While I sympathize with your hurt at being let go, and your mystification in the lack of apparent rationale, I wonder why it is that you think you must have some legal remedy for the fact you lost your job? Mind you, California is, in general, a VERY employee friendly state with its labor law, but still, you never promised the employer that you wouldn’t just quit after 9 days. Do you think the employer should have been able to sue you if you did?
Hi Opal!
Absent reason to believe that your termination violated some important public policy, such as non-discrimination on the basis of race or sex, it is unlikely that you have a cause of action for wrongful termination. Not impossible, however, and if you really wish to know, I recommend going to see a specialist in that line of work. Usually, they will offer a free consultation, and take the case on contingency basis, since it is a pseudo-tort in California.
I guess I was into making a bold statement. Sigh.