Legal Question in Employment Law in California

I have a job that has an apt attached to the office in which I also rent from my employer. I have a set schedule , there are only two of us. I was asked to cover a shift for the other employee this week too. 30 min. prior to starting my shift, I recieved a note passed under my door stating they hired a new girl and I was no longer needed for any shift this week. No explanation. Then a msg left saying it was because my rent was late. They changed the locks on the office door, security codes and haven't spoke to me personally. How can my late rent be used as a tool to terminate me?


Asked on 3/14/12, 9:33 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Larry Hoddick Law Offices of Larry R. Hoddick

Most employment in California is governed by the "at-will" arrangement where you can quit at any time without cause or explanation, and the employer can terminate you at any time without notice or cause. The employer cannot terminate you for a discriminatory purpose, nor can the employer terminate you in violation of public policy. for example, the employer cannot terminate you because you handed in a doctor's note to go out on pregnancy leave. In your situation, it does not appear that there is a case for wrongful termination. The employer's distrust (or whatever you want to call it) in you due to late rent is not illegal, unless, of course, you have a written employment contract for a specified term and specified pay that says they will only terminate you for good cause (which is rare).

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Answered on 3/14/12, 9:43 am


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