PROTECTING
EMPLOYEE RIGHTS
EMPLOYEE RIGHTS
Employer’s Decision not to Re-New a Fixed Term Employee Contract Upon its Expiration is not Subject to a Wrongful Termination in Violation of Public Policy Claim
In a new decision by the California Court of Appeal in Touchstone Television Productions v. Superior Court (Sheridan) – B241137, filed August 16, 2012, the court held that employer’s failure to renew employee’s fixed-term contract does not give rise to a claim for wrongful termination in violation of public policy. However, the non-renewal may be retaliatory under other statutory protection. The decision followed a line of other California case law, primarily Daly v. Exxon Corp. (1997) 55 Cal.App.4th 39 (Daly). The court stated: “A cause of action for wrongful termination in violation of public policy does not lie if an employer decides simply not to exercise an option to renew a contract; in that instance, there is no termination of employment but instead an expiration of a fixed-term contract. Plaintiff, who alleged that her contract was not renewed because she complained of being assaulted by a coworker, should have been granted leave to plead a cause of action under Labor Code Sec. 6310(b), which permits an action for damages if the employee is discharged, threatened with discharge, or discriminated against by his or her employer because of the employee’s complaints about unsafe work conditions.”
Client Testimonials
I've had a long executive career and dealt with many many attorneys. I've seen everything from highly competent lawyers with no moral compass to ethical practitioners that fear complexity. So I think it fair to say I can recognize a great attorney when I see it...
I recently employed Mozaffari Law to handle a wrong termination case against my former employer, which is a Fortune 50 corporation. My lawyer, Afshin Mozaffari, executed his duties splendidly. From inception, he carefully explained the impending...
His approach made me feel really comfortable, and I felt like he genuinely wanted to help me.” I would recommend Mr. Mozaffari because he really listens to his clients and achieves favorable results. I felt he gathered a lot of information about my case by listening and then by...
I strongly recommend Mr. Mozaffari if you have a case against your employer.” You will not regret selecting Mr. Mozaffari as your attorney. He is very knowledgeable, patient and detail-oriented, which I think are the most important traits of a caring lawyer. I was referred to him...
After years of hard-fought litigation, Afshin was able to secure a great result for my case." I worked at a large corporation with many instances of sex/gender discrimination and unequal pay to women. After voicing these concerns, I was retaliated against and terminated. Afshin...
Afshin Mozaffari is an amazing attorney! My initial search for a lawyer to represent me was extremely disappointing. Many did not want to take the time to hear my “story,” lacked compassion and were primarily interested only in what the monetary outcome could possibly be...
I cannot recommend Mozaffari Law highly enough … Afshin Mozaffari demonstrated incredible professionalism, knowledge, and dedication to my case. What truly sets him apart is his attention to detail and his genuine care for his clients. His ability to navigate complex legal issues...