If you got fired unexpectedly, it would likely have a major impact on your life and your finances. Many people are living paycheck to paycheck. They’re counting on getting that next check in two weeks. Getting fired may suddenly mean that you can’t pay the mortgage or your car loan.
But do you deserve a warning in advance so that you can prepare? Often, you do not. Under at-will employment laws, your employer can fire you at any time. You also have the right to quit and walk away from your job at any time. But in the same sense that you are not obligated to give two weeks’ notice before you quit, your employer is not obligated to give you any advance notice before they terminate you.
Are there any exceptions?
There are some exceptions. First of all, if you have an employment contract, then you may deserve a warning in advance if it’s spelled out in that contract. You’re no longer an at-will employee. The same can be true if you are working under a collective bargaining agreement. If the workers have negotiated for advance notice before a termination, then that does have to be followed.
Additionally, California offers some protection if there are mass layoffs. An employer can’t simply decide to do mass layoffs on the spur of the moment, but must provide a 60-day notice to the employees who are going to be affected. But this only applies to large-scale layoffs and would not apply if you are simply being terminated from your position on your own.
Employment laws can be fairly complex, so be sure you know what legal options you have if a dispute arises.