California laws and ex-employee rights?

Question

Ouch, this hurt. I reported for work as scheduled on Thursday only to be told by the new mangagement that I was no longer needed there, dismissed. I had no verbal or written warnings. In fact they dismissed all the staff in many locations(franchise business) in order to hire lesser paid staff. They refused to pay me for the day I showed up, and refused to give me corporate information so that I could file for unemployment benifits. Having spoken to other "ex"employees they were told the same. In effect clear out your locker and go home. Can they do that? And if they can that what rights do I (and the others )have?

Answer 1

first of all, yes they can lay you off, but without notice, they better have given you your final paycheck that day, including all accrued vacation pay, or else you can sue them for time until they get you that check, up to 30 days.
To file unemployment, fo the the employment development web site edd.gov. The forms are on line.
Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I say if its their company they should be able to do whatever they want. I hate americas stupid labor laws and minimum wage crap if a person wants to work for $3 an hour then so what if i come in to work and for no reason i want to get rid of an employee ITS MY BUSINESS I SHOULD BE ABLE TO HIRE AND FIRE WHOEVER i want without any explanations.