What happens when you’re a part-time employee and your employer sends you home 15 minutes into your shift because there’s not enough work for you? One of the lesser-known labor law regulations in California is the so-called “four-hour minimum” shift rule. It’s an...
Santa Barbara Employment Law Blog
When company dress code violations become discrimination
Many industries and businesses have dress codes. These codes may be for reasons such as professionalism, branding or safety. The dress code should apply to all employees. If it doesn't, it could be a form of discrimination. When enforcement becomes random We typically...
Whistleblowing in California: Protections and precautions
Whistleblowers are courageous individuals who often help to propel significant organizational or industry changes. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that these individuals often experience retaliation from their employers and fellow employees, ranging from subtle...
Can you progress your way out of sexual harassment?
Many people struggle with the decision to report sexual harassment. They think their bosses won’t take their claims seriously. Or they think it might harm their career prospects. Climbing their way out of it might seem like an option, either via gaining promotion or...
The recoverable damages for wrongful termination
As an employee, you may be entitled to compensation if your termination was based on unlawful grounds. These may include retaliation for participating in a legally protected activity, discrimination based on race, gender, age, pregnancy or other protected...
How coded language can expose age discrimination
Age discrimination may not be overt in the workplace. Your boss likely won’t tell you that you’re being fired because you just had your 50th birthday and they don’t want anyone in your age bracket working at the business. Doing so would clearly be age discrimination,...
Can California companies require unpaid on-call shifts?
Certain industries force companies to have a specific number of workers present or available. Medical facilities, for example, need to have a minimum number of employees on hand for the protection of patients. Airlines typically need to have a certain number of people...
Disability discrimination in the workplace: What to know
It's unlawful for an employer to discriminate against an employee based on an actual or perceived disability. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) implement laws to protect employees from this type of...
Is a pizza party proper compensation for extra unpaid work?
Most modern employers are quite eager to control staffing expenses. In some cases, they may even go so far as to violate the law in their attempts to keep costs low. They may deprive workers of wages they have earned and violate rules regarding overtime wages or...
If a co-worker asks you out, is that sexual harassment?
Unexpectedly, one of your coworkers asks you if you’d like to go on a date. You never really considered office dating, and it’s not necessarily something you are interested in. Maybe you’re worried about it creating an awkward situation if the date doesn’t go well....