Legal Question in Employment Law in California

Is it against the law if a company offers a holiday bonus to some employees and not others? ( California)


Asked on 12/20/10, 2:16 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

No. The employer is entitled to set and change hours, duties, titles, compensation, benefits, leaves, vacations, holidays, bonuses, policies, rules, etc. just not retroactively. Employees have the 'right' to pay and employee benefits per the CA wage and hour laws, and formal company policy as agreed, to be provided a 'safe' workplace to minimize risk of injury, and sometimes are entitled to certain medical/pregnancy leave rights. That's about it. There are no laws against 'unfair treatment' or poor management. In general, unless an employee is civil service, in a union, or has a written employment contract, they are an 'at will' employee that can be disciplined or fired any time for any reason, with or without �cause�, explanation or notice, other than for illegal discrimination, harassment or retaliation under the ADA disability, Civil Rights [age, race, sex, ethnic, religion, pregnancy, etc], Whistle-blower, or similar statutes. The employee's goal should be to keep the employer happy.

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Answered on 12/26/10, 12:31 pm


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