What Is the New Law for Severance Agreements in California? California's “Silenced No More Act” began in January 2022 and impacted severance agreements by prohibiting employers from including non-disclosure and non-disparagement clauses where it relates to harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.
There is no requirement to provide severance in the US and if you were terminated for cause a company generally would not provide it. In general severance is only provided when a company does something like lay you off because of financial conditions or restructuring (if even then).
You are likely eligible if you are fired for poor performance, being laid off, or if the company is in financial crisis. However, if you are fired for misconduct, such as violating company policies, theft, or insubordination, you can likely be disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits.
The waiting period is a crucial time frame that California law provides to employees before they can be required to sign a severance agreement that includes a release or waiver of rights. Specifically, California Gov Code 12964.5(b)(4) sets a mandatory waiting period of at least five business days.
The OWBPA prohibits employers from discriminating against older workers regarding benefits, such as health insurance, retirement benefits, and severance packages. It also requires employers to provide certain information to older workers when they are asked to sign a waiver or release of legal claims.