Workers in California have a number of rights and protections under federal law. One is that they are protected against discrimination and harassment because of their religious beliefs and practices. Employees should be aware of what constitutes discrimination so they...
Year: 2018
Can my employer fire me for an OSHA complaint?
Employees in California are protected from unsafe work environments by both state and federal laws. If an employer takes action against an employee who reports unsafe conditions, the employee has the right to fight back.According to FindLaw, the Occupational Safety...
You have a right to payment as an employee
As an employee who has been with your company for over a decade, you expect to receive pay on time and accurately. If you receive a check that isn't the right amount or don't receive a paycheck on time, it's important to speak up immediately.There are regulations in...
What is “right to sue?”
If you feel you have been discriminated against in your workplace or in employment and hiring practices, you may wish to pursue a lawsuit. But in California, that requires obtaining a "right to sue" letter. Just what is a "right to sue," and why is it required? Should...
Laws regarding tipped employees
Unlike in many states, tipped employees in California enjoy the same minimum wage as all other employees. Many of these workers still often receive tips or gratuities, and there are specific laws regarding these tips that help protect the employee.According to the...
What is a hostile work environment?
When your work environment becomes unbearable and you face discrimination or harassment, you have every right to file a complaint. What you are dealing with is, under federal and California state law, considered a hostile work environment - but what exactly does this...
Can an employer threaten to report me to immigration?
Many workers in the United States, including in California, can find themselves in delicate situations regarding immigration status and employment. Renewing a work visa one day late can place you in a precarious position, while undocumented workers may have little to...
Am I protected from discrimination as an independent contractor?
Many times, it can seem as though the only difference between an independent contractor and an employee is who is responsible for deducting your taxes. Yet there are many other factors that differentiate contractors and employees under California law, and one major...
Starbucks faces lawsuit over unpaid wages
Working for a large corporate employer is often a difficult position for entry-level employees. Many workers assume that the policies such companies have in place are legal and enforceable. After all, the company surely employs an army of attorneys to make sure it...
What does it mean to discriminate based on gender identity?
While California has some of the most progressive, employee-focused workplace discrimination laws in the country, discrimination still happens based on a number of factors. One of these factors is a person's gender identity, whether they are transgender, genderqueer,...