Discriminatory wage practices in California: What are your options?
Under the California Equal Pay Act, employers cannot pay their employees less because of their sex or gender. Despite this, women earn 79 cents for every dollar a man earns for the same type of work nationally. It is important that workers know their rights in case they are faced with discriminatory wage practices, What […]
Arbitration agreements
Some employers try to use arbitration agreements to avoid lawsuits by employees in cases of violations of labor laws (for example, in cases of wages or workplace harassment). When an employee signs an arbitration agreement, they agree that any following case will not be evaluated by a court of law, but by an extrajudicial arbitrator. […]
Stereotypes drive ageism in the workplace
Age discrimination lawsuits are on the rise. 20% of employment complaints in 2017 in California were for age discrimination. At the federal level, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has also seen an increase in claims. Between 2010 and 2018, companies paid $810.4 million to settle charges with the EEOC, not including litigation. The EEOC […]
Types of pregnancy and bonding leave in California
Pregnancies are often exciting, but they can also cause expectant mothers to worry about possible complications from their work situation. Mothers often need recovery and rest time after bringing a new life into the world, while fathers can benefit from spending time bonding with their newborns. However, if you’re afraid of losing your job, you’re […]
Is dismissal due to poor English proficiency illegal?
The United States of America, over several centuries of immigration, has ended up as a multicultural tapestry of languages, skin tones, and nationalities. Our country remains a destination for many people who feel endangered in their home countries, and many immigrants arrive with limited English proficiency. Still, non-English speakers must earn a living, which creates […]
What (not) to do after being fired
If you have been fired and you believe you have grounds to get compensation from your employer due to an illegal action against you, here are some things you should do to protect your case: Gather your benefit plan documentation: If you have a benefit plan, communicate with HR and request a copy. According to federal […]
The amount on your paycheck… is it correct?
Employers can withhold taxes, Social Security contributions, and other partial amounts for certain benefits. However, this does not include deductions that are not allowed by law. Not sure if the amount you receive in your paycheck is correct? You can review the list below to see if your employer has made any deductions that do […]
Were you fired while on medical leave?
As a California employee, you are eligible for the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) leave for up to 12 weeks of family or protected health leave from work over a 12-month period. The CFRA applies to you if your California employer has more than five employees and if you have worked at least 20 workweeks […]
Dismissals, demotions, and punishments at work
The type of employment in California is called “at-will.” However, this does not mean that employers can fire workers for any reason. What is “at-will” employment? Employment “at-will” refers to work in which employees can leave their job at any time without reason or notice. Also, employers are free to fire employees at any time […]
How do California wage and hour laws apply to remote employees?
Many people who work remotely in California wonder if the same wage and hour laws apply to them that apply to on-site employees. The answer is yes. But you must be a non-exempt employee. You have the right to be paid at least minimum wage, overtime pay rates for overtime, and standard meals and rest […]
