Applicable Time Limits If you are the only worker being terminated, then you must be given at least 21 days to consider the agreement to waive your ADEA rights. If you are not the only worker being terminated, you must be given at least 45 days to consider the waiver.
Employers who offer a severance agreement to induce you to waive your rights must follow special rules if you at least 40. Federal law requires these severance agreements to be clearly written and explicit. You must be given adequate time to review the agreement and cannot be pressured into signing it.
California employers are required to give employees over 40 a minimum of 21 days to review a severance agreement. During this time, employees can seek advice from an attorney or financial advisor. Additionally, employees have 7 days after signing the agreement to revoke it.
1. How long do I legally have to sign a severance agreement in California? You usually have 5 business days. However, people 40 and older must be given at least 21 days to consider the agreement or 45 days in group layoffs.
The new rule mandates that businesses inform their employees that they have at least five days to review any separation or severance arrangements.
Regarding the revocation period, for employees under 40, California law does not mandate a revocation period for severance agreements. This contrasts with the requirements for older employees, where a revocation period must be offered.
For employees under 40: No specific waiting period is mandated by law.
A: In California, the seven-day revocation period is specifically related to settlement agreements that resolve claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) as part of the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA).
How to Structure a Severance Agreement Determine Eligibility: Decide which employees will be offered a severance agreement based on company policy or specific circumstances. Consult Legal Counsel: Work with an attorney to draft the agreement to ensure compliance with federal and state laws.