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The Pay stuff info you need to know
LEGAL FACTOIDS:
Termination and Pay Per State of California
Source: http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/FAQ_Paydays.htm
According to Labor Code Sections 201 and 227.3:
An employee who is discharged must be paid all of his or her wages,
including accrued vacation, immediately at the time of termination.
REALITY CHECK:
So now your savvy about the latest re California law on final pay, or are you? What if you are terminated by your employer and said employer counters that you quit? Such a scenario may seem outrageous and unimaginable. But, does that make it any less plausible? So, what proof do you have, i.e. legal proof that you were terminated and did not quit? If you are a contingent worker (temporary, contract-to-hire, temp-to-perm, etc.), you may have no proof at all.
When you are asked to return certain items, such as your badge and/or key(s), you may wish to ask for a receipt. Of course, your request may be denied. Another possibility is to send an email confirming your understanding that you have been terminated and enumerate in that email the items you returned. The validity of email in court may be debateable but at times email has been considered as legitimate evidence.
You also should be mindful that even when terminated it would be unwise to "burn bridges". Keep all correspondence and interaction with your former employer professional and cordial. The old adage about one collecting more flies with honey than vinegar still applies. If your agenda is to secure employment, the more positivity that you put out, the more you increase the probablility of your own success. Sophisticated people manage impressions while those lacking in such skills need to rapidly acquire such finesse.
