In California, Labor Code Section 1198.5 gives current and former employees the right to view their personnel files. This right also applies to their representatives. Employers have up to 30 days to respond to a written request, or 35 days if both parties agree. Employers who fail to comply owe a $750 penalty to the requesting employee.
Employers are required to keep these records for at least three years after an employee leaves the company. Current employees can request to see their files at their workplace or another agreed-upon location. However, they are limited to 50 requests per month. Former employees can request their files by mail but may need to cover shipping costs. They are limited to one request per year.
It's worth noting that this law doesn't allow access to records related to criminal investigations, reference letters, or performance ratings.
(See Link(s): Labor Code Section 1198.5)