My question involves labor and employment law for the state of: CA
My company laid me off on 12/22/08. I found out in the afternoon that I no longer had a job and they gave me my final check and severance agreement around 5pm (at close of business). Prior to 12/22, I had been out of the country for 1 month for business and vacation (12/22 was my first day back to work). I used the company cc for personal expenses while away (allowed by company). The following week they said once I submitted my expense report that they could deduct this amount from the severance check. 1 month later they accused me of erasing emails and will no longer issue severance. While I was in the office that last day I did erase personal emails and business emails of no significance or that would harm the company. This was done prior to receiving a severance agreement and I did not think I had done anything wrong. I really need some good advice here, as the company is suffereing financially, and it really looks like they are trying to find a reason to not pay me. Thoughts?

