My question involves labor and employment law for the state of: California
I was verbally told by my employer that I'd get a bonus for the profit our department made from last year (2014). No mention of bonus was ever mentioned in my offer letter nor did I sign any documents indicating a bonus structure. My employer explained to me verbally that bonus will be included in the paycheck in 4 quarters (see below).
The bonus amount and payout date is divided into 4 quarters, with the last quarter payout date being January 2016. Again, this is for 2014 performance. If I've earned bonus for my last year's performance, shouldn't I be given the bonus in full this year?
Bonus payout date for last year's performance (2014):
04/2015 - 40% (I did receive this one already)
07/2015 - 20%
10/2015 - 20%
01/2016 - 20%
My question is:
I will be voluntarily leaving the workplace. Can my employer decline the rest of my earned bonus from last year in order to keep me "hungry" as an employee/so that I don't quit?

