Legal Question in Employment Law in California

I was told by my boss that I �have to come into the office� today and then asked to leave about 20 minutes later and not return until further notice.

I needed work done urgently on my car when it didn't drive right the night before. I sent him a text message this morning to let him know I will be taking it to the mechanics. We exchanged text messages which lead to him telling me I did not get prior approval and �have to come into the office.�

Upon my arrival, we had a brief discussion about his belief in my reason for not coming into the office which I did not agree to be true. He believes it was because I "made a face" during a discussion the day before that my decision to not go into the office the following day was my "way of reacting." I stood by that I was out because I felt an urgent need to take care of my car which is my family's only form of transportation (I am a single mother). He also asked if I couldn�t have looked for alternative ways to get to work such as take a cab or call him for a ride. I said I did not think in such a way because I also have my daughter to drop off and pick up from school (my son is on Spring Break).

I got my oil changed during the check up at the mechanics and learned I also needed tires �badly.� One of them is balding so badly the metal is showing. I was advised to get new tires immediately before I get a blowout.

I arrived at 1:25 pm to the office. At approximately 1:40 pm, after our brief discussion, he said he could not allow me to sign in and asked that I leave the office until further notice. I had not received any verbal or written warning or notice prior to this event. I asked if I can pack my personal belongings at which point he asked for his keys back.

We ended and agreed that he would be contacting me within two (2) days to schedule a meeting with a Human Resources personnel which we have not had before even when I had inquired about an HR contact.

I am his only employee and I have never as much been written up. I have worked for him for a little over 2 years.

I don�t know how to respond to this situation and to the meeting with him and this new HR contact.


Asked on 4/10/12, 11:41 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Not only are there no laws against poor management, 'unfair treatment', or rude and obnoxious behavior, but 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 terminated any time for any reason, with or without �cause�, explanation or notice. Any employee's goal should be to keep their supervisors happy and make them look good to the company, and make the company money. That�s how the company pays employee wages. If you don't, then don't be surprised to be replaced. You need to get 'closure' on this, one way or another so you can decide whether to look for a new job.

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Answered on 4/11/12, 10:28 am


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