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California Employment Law Glossary

Off-Duty Conduct Protections
Privacy Violations

 

Definition


 

California employers generally cannot discipline or terminate employees for engaging in lawful activities during their personal time. This includes lawful recreational activity, political activity, and - with some important limitations - cannabis use. Employees who are disciplined or fired for lawful off-duty conduct may have claims under California law. The scope of these protections is an evolving area of California employment law.


Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the content, but firing you solely for lawful off-duty political or recreational activity, including certain social media posts, can raise legal issues under California's off-duty conduct protections.

California law now provides some protections against discrimination based on off-duty cannabis use, though important exceptions exist, particularly for safety-sensitive positions.

Think this applies to you?

What you do outside of work is largely your own business under California law. Get a free case review if your employer crossed that line.
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This glossary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship with Lawyers for Employee and Consumer Rights. Laws change - for advice specific to your situation, contact our office for a free case review.