The new rule mandates that businesses inform their employees that they have at least five days to review any separation or severance arrangements.
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.
Most termination clauses are an agreement between the employer and the employee that in the event the employer elects to dismiss the employee without cause, the employee will only receive what they are entitled to under the Employment Standards Code.
First you can simply ask. The offer of severance is not a legal obligation. It is an attempt by the employer to assure that you will never make any claims against it. Some times simply asking for more can trigger a discussion, but do not count on it. Especially in a RIF where many people are involved.
If you have seen or experienced wide spread labor law violations you can Report a Labor Law Violations with the Labor Commissioner's Office. For any questions on your rights, please call 833-LCO-INFO (833-526-4636).
Specifically, California Gov Code 12964.5(b)(4) sets a mandatory waiting period of at least five business days. This period allows employees the necessary time to review the severance agreement thoroughly and consult with legal counsel to ensure the terms are fair and in their best interest.
Neither the California Labor Code nor the federal Fair Labor Standards Act require employers to offer severance agreements to departing employees. Instead, severance agreements are provided by employers to accomplish a specific goal.