What is Wrongful Termination in California?

In the current labor market, finding a job is a job in itself and not an easy thing to do. In fact, Aerotek, a talent solutions provider that aligns job seekers with employers in several industries, recently released its Job Seeker Survey. As high as 70% of job seekers were unhappy with their employment status, the economy, and ability to find gainful employment. The job seekers who were surveyed indicated they were having a more challenging time than they had in the past when it came to finding a job.

There are several reasons why this might be so, including an overall gloomy outlook on the economy, worries over geopolitical events, a negative mood, high inflation, and interest rates, which all combined usually result in more hesitant employers when it comes to hiring and spending money. As a result, if you were a job seeker that had luck and obtained the job of your dreams or just a job that pays the bills, you likely would want to keep it. If you are unexpectedly fired, though, this can shock you and leave you feeling distraught and concerned about what you can do.

Depending on your circumstances and the conditions under which you were let go, you could be a victim of wrongful termination. In California, mistreated employees have the legal right to take action when an employer violates employment laws or an employee’s contract.

For a review of your situation and to learn more about your rights under the law, you are welcome to meet with our Redding, CA, employment law attorneys at Maire & Deedon.

How Does California Define Wrongful Termination?

Wrongful termination is unlawful, but it is important to understand that just because you didn’t want to be fired does not mean your employer wrongfully terminated you. In California, the at-will employment laws mean that employers have the right and ability to terminate any employee at any time they choose and for any reason. That is, as long as their motives for termination do not violate state or federal employment laws or the terms of an employee’s employment contract.

When an employer uses retaliatory, discriminatory, or other unlawful reasons to fire an employee, this is illegal. For example, let’s say a business engages in illicit activities, and an employee decides to be a whistle-blower and report the company’s illegal behavior. If the company fires the employee for reporting them, this is considered retaliation, and the employee can take legal action against the employer.

Another example of wrongful termination would be if an employer decides to terminate the employment of an older employee based on age. This would be discriminatory and allow that employee to file a suit against their employer.

Employment disputes are common and a very real problem in the state of California. Each year, thousands of complaints are submitted to the California Civil Rights Department

Speak With A Northern California Employment Law Attorney Today

Legal recourse may be available if you believe your termination was unjust and a violation of your rights.

Speak with a Northern California employment law attorney at Maire & Deedon today, and we will help you obtain justice.