What is the Law Regarding Employment in California?

Employees, employers and independent contractors in California are controlled by employment law. This area of law governs such employment issues as hiring procedures, wage amounts, and termination. Employers and employees in California must have an understanding of the employment laws.

"At-Will" vs. Contract Employment Terms

"At-will" employment is the most common type of employment, but in some cases there may be an employment contract guaranteeing payments for six months to a year. "At-will" employment means that either the employer or the employee can terminate the position at any given time, even without a particular reason, so long as the termination does not violate the law Laws of both the state and federal government decide 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 time 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.

Claims for employment discrimination may be filed with an administrative agency such as EEOC. Attorneys often specialize in employment discrimination.