A day's work and a day's pay - are due the same day

The California Supreme Court in Smith v. Superior Court (L'Oreal U.S.A.), decided that an employee who is hired for one day is due his or her wages on the day of termination of employment under Lab. Code section 201. The decision makes it tough on the relatively small group of employers who routinely employ workers for just one day. But that's pretty much what the statute says:

[Labor Code section]201. (a) If an employer discharges an employee, the wages earned and unpaid at the time of discharge are due and payable immediately.

Unfortunately, L'Oreal is 0-2 in employment law cases before the California Supreme Court this Term.

- DGV