EmploymentQuestion 1025 of 1605
When a contractor fires an employee, when must the employee's final wages be paid? (final-pay timing, a firing obligation)
a.Whenever the employee returns company tools
b.Immediately at the time of termination
c.Within 30 days of termination
d.On the next regular payday only
Explanation
Under Labor Code §201, an employee who is discharged must be paid all earned and unpaid wages immediately at the time of termination. (An employee who quits without notice is paid within 72 hours under §202.) Late final pay can trigger waiting-time penalties under §203.
Law Reference: Labor Code §201; §202Practice all 1605 questions free — no signup required.
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- Under the California WARN Act, a covered employer conducting a mass layoff or plant closing generally must give affected employees how much advance notice?
- To reduce the risk of a wrongful-termination claim when firing an underperforming employee, the best practice is to:
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Reviewed by Abraham Chen — Licensed California General Contractor (CSLB License #1101856 — verify)