What is the Law Regarding Employment in California?

In California, employment law means those laws covering employee and employer relationships, as well as independent contractors. Such laws govern employment matters like hiring, wage levels, and termination policies. Employers and employees in California should have an understanding of the employment laws.

"At-Will" vs. Contract Employment Terms

Most of the time employment is considered to be "at-will", although in some instances there may be an employment contract between the employer and employee for a set period of time. "At-will" employers or employees may terminate the employment at any given time, if the reasons are not illegal. Laws of both the state and federal government determine which employment terms are valid and enforceable should there be a contract between the California employee and employer.

Anti-Discrimination laws in California

Discriminating at any point of employment such as hiring, workplace environment, and terminating, is illegal according to laws applicable to California residents. People living in California must abide by laws stating it is illegal for employers to discriminate against people who belong to specific classes. These classes may be based on race, national origin, gender, religion, disability, and age.

Employment discrimination claims are often heard by an administrative agency like the EEOC. Additionally, some attorneys are specialists in the discrimination field.