After 2 1/2 years of employeement with my current employer, we are not required to sign confidentially and nondisclosure agreements. It is not a breif document 7 pages (for a mom and pop corporation) I do not want to sign, because I do not know exactly what I am signing, because the way it is written. My boss (owner) has been trying to make me quit for several months. I have refused to sign other documents...such as time card policy and written write up. I told her that I want to have it reviewed legally. If I do not sign it can she send me home or fire me?
Russell J. Thomas JrEmployment / Labor AttorneyNewport Beach, CACA licensed ·
Yes; California is an at-will state. Unless you have a written contract changing the at-will relationship, your employer does not need a reason to terminate you. In other words, if your employer insists that you sign these documents and you refuse, you can be terminated legally.
Do not be afraid of the document. You have a duty to keep confidential information confidential and not disclose it to anyone without your employer's permission and not use it for your own benefit.
As an at-will employee they can terminate you for not signing or even if you sign. They do not need a reason.
My recommendation is to sign and not give them a reason.
The response given is not intended to create, nor does it create an ongoing duty to respond to questions. The response does not form an attorney-client relationship, nor is it intended to be anything other than the educated opinion of the author. It should not be relied upon as legal advice. The response given is based upon the limited facts provided by the person asking the question. To the extent additional or different facts exist, the response might possibly change. Attorney is licensed to practice law only in the State of California. Responses are based solely on California law unless stated otherwise.
Your employer may have the right to insist that you sign these documents, but if you do not understand the terms, you have the concurrent right to have the documents reviewed by an attorney. You should contact an attorney in your area to have this done.
The response given is not intended to create, nor does it create an ongoing duty to respond to questions. The response does not form an attorney-client relationship, nor is it intended to be anything other than the educated opinion of the author. It should not be relied upon as legal advice. The response given is based upon the limited facts provided by the person asking the question. To the extent additional or different facts exist, the response might possibly change. Attorney is licensed to practice law only in the State of California. Responses are based solely on California law unless stated otherwise.
