Employee Rights After a Tech Layoff

Employee Rights After a Tech Layoff

Losing a job can be a difficult and stressful experience, especially in the tech industry where layoffs are becoming more common. However, it is important to know that as a former employee, you have certain rights that your employer must abide by.

1. Severance Pay: Depending on the terms of your employment contract and the company’s policy, you may be eligible for severance pay. This is a form of financial compensation given to employees who have been laid off.

2. Unemployment Benefits: If you have been laid off, you may be eligible to receive unemployment benefits from your state. These benefits provide temporary financial support while you look for new employment.

3. Continuation of Health Insurance: Under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), you have the right to continue your health insurance coverage for a limited time after your job loss.

4. Fair Reference: You can request for a fair and accurate reference to prospective employers. The former employer cannot provide false or misleading information about your employment history.

5. Protection from Discrimination: You are protected from discrimination on the basis of race, gender, religion, age, or any other protected status, even if the reason given is a layoff.

You have substantive rights as an employee, even if you are subject to a layoff. It is important to familiarize yourself with California employment laws that serve to protect employees and to ensure that your rights are protected based on a layoff. If you believe that your rights have been violated, it is recommended to seek the advice of a legal professional.

Being laid off (or any form of termination) can be a difficult and stressful time, but you do not have to face it alone. At TONG LAW, we have the expertise and experience to help you navigate the legal landscape and protect your employment law rights. If you are seeking an evaluation of severance pay or whether your layoff may have been a violation of your employment law rights, we are here to help.

Do not wait to seek legal support. Reach out to us today by visiting our website at www.tong-law.com. Our team is ready to help you understand your options and take the next step towards resolving your issue.

Attorney Advertising: Information contained on this website is for general information only. Nothing on this website should be construed to be legal advice and no attorney-client relationship has been formed.

Author Bio

Vincent Tong

Vincent Tong is the CEO and Managing Partner of TONG LAW, a business and employment law firm located in Oakland, CA. Vincent is a fierce advocate for employees facing discrimination and wrongful termination. With several successful jury trial victories and favorable settlements, he has earned a strong reputation for delivering exceptional results for his clients.

In addition, Vincent provides invaluable counsel to businesses, guiding them on critical matters such as formation and governance, regulatory compliance, and protection of intellectual property assets. His depth of experience allows him to anticipate risks, devise strategies to avoid legal pitfalls, and empower clients to pursue their goals confidently.

Vincent currently serves as the 2021 President of the Board of Directors for the Alameda County Bar Association and sits on the Executive Board for the California Employment Lawyers Association. Recognized for outstanding skills and client dedication, he has consecutively earned the Super Lawyers’ Rising Star honor since 2015, reserved for the top 2.5% of attorneys. He also received the Distinguished Service Award for New Attorney from the Alameda County Bar Association in 2016. He is licensed to practice before all California state courts and the United States District Court for the Northern and Central Districts of California.

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