Although pregnancy is a natural part of life, it can cause related conditions that may temporarily disable a pregnant woman. For example, many pregnancies put women at risk of blood pressure, anemia and other problems. Some employers do not believe these issues...
Santa Barbara Employment Law Blog
What should you know about tip sharing?
Understanding the intricacies of wage laws is critical for anyone working in a service industry where tips are part of the compensation structure. In California, specific laws govern tip pooling or sharing, which is the practice of pooling and dividing tips among...
How can workers prove that they’ve experienced wage theft?
Wage theft is a serious economic concern for hourly workers in particular. Employees who need every cent that they earn to support their families are often those most at risk of not receiving their pay in full. The impact of wage theft can add up to major losses for...
3 things to do as soon as workplace sexual harassment begins
Although pretty much everyone understands that sexual harassment in the workplace is unlawful, it still happens at a disturbing rate. Such harassment can involve many behaviors, from making offensive gestures to demands for sexual favors. Sometimes, workplace sexual...
Employees versus independent contractors in California
In California, the distinction between independent contractors and employees carries significant legal implications. How a worker is classified can impact tax obligations, legal rights and benefits. Understanding this distinction is vital for businesses to prevent...
We’re being overworked without overtime pay. What should we do?
As an employee, you are entitled to fair pay for your work. So, what happens when your employer overworks you and doesn’t pay your overtime? It’s a frustrating and often confusing situation, and thankfully, you and your co-workers don’t have to suffer in silence....
The silent workplace bias: Age discrimination in action
Age discrimination occurs when a worker is treated unfairly or less favorably because of age. While it can affect both young and old workers, it is more common for more senior employees to face discrimination due to stereotypes and biases. Laws at both the state and...
Can your boss tell you not to discuss wages?
When you get hired on a new job, your boss tells you that the company has a policy where you don’t discuss wages. He or she asks you not to talk about how much you’re being paid with the other employees. They say it nicely and smile, but you can tell that they’re very...
How can you prove pay discrimination at work?
When you leave home for work, you are legally entitled to compensation for your hard work without concern for your age, race, religion, gender or nationality of origin. Wage or pay discrimination happens when your employer pays you less than your co-workers who...
Daily wages sometimes hide unfair overtime practices
There are numerous ways that businesses try to minimize what they pay for staffing. Oftentimes, they cap the wages they will offer for certain positions and even go so far as to limit how many people will be scheduled for specific shifts. Occasionally, companies go...