Valerian Law, P.C.

racial discrimination

Racial Discrimination in Employment – How It Impacts Promotions, Pay & More

Employee Rights / February 21, 2025

Racial discrimination in the workplace remains a persistent issue, affecting employees across various industries in California and beyond.  Employers need to be aware how systemic racism perpetuates itself within organizations, particularly when power over people is abused. Despite laws prohibiting such practices, many workers continue to face unfair treatment based on their race or ethnicity. …

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Sue Employer for Misclassification

Misclassified as a Contractor or Manager: Can You Sue Your Employer for Misclassification?

Wage & Hour / February 21, 2025

In California, employee misclassification is a serious issue that often leaves workers without the protections and benefits they rightfully deserve. Whether you’re labeled as an independent contractor or given a managerial title that doesn’t match your duties, misclassification can have significant impacts on your rights and compensation. This article aims to help you understand misclassification, …

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Microaggressions

Microaggressions: Recognizing and Addressing Subtle Workplace Discrimination

Employee Rights / February 21, 2025

Microaggressions are subtle forms of discrimination often expressed through words or actions, that can create a hostile work environment. While overt discrimination is easier to identify, microaggressions can be more insidious and challenging to address. Understanding these behaviors is crucial for protecting your rights in the workplace. What are Microaggressions? A microaggression is a subtle, …

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hostile work environment

Hostile Work Environment: Recognizing and Addressing Workplace Harassment

Employee Rights / February 21, 2025

A hostile work environment in California occurs when harassment or discrimination creates an intimidating, offensive, or hostile atmosphere for employees. This harassment must be: Unwelcome and offensive to the recipient Based on protected characteristics (e.g., race, gender, age, religion, disability) Severe or pervasive enough to alter working conditions Interfering with work performance or psychological well-being …

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non compete clause california

Groundbreaking New FTC Rule Bans Non-Compete Clauses Once and For All

FTC / February 21, 2025

By Dan L. Gildor & Xinying Valerian Non-compete clauses prohibit employees from working for competitors or starting their own competing businesses for a certain period after leaving a job. Such clauses have long been viewed as an unscrupulous tool used by companies to unfairly restrict workers’ career mobility, suppress wages, and hamper innovation. Californias Stance …

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Workers right in california are protected

Protecting Workers’ Rights in California: Rest Break Guidelines

Wage & Hour / February 21, 2025

Ensuring that California employees receive their entitled rest breaks is critical to upholding workers’ rights and maintaining workplace fairness. As mandated by state law, employers have to give rest periods throughout the workday. But what are the specific guidelines governing rest breaks in the Golden State, and how can a CA wage hour & lawyer …

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Hospital employees win wage theft case

Hospital Employees Win Class Certification in Wage Theft Case!

Class Actions / February 21, 2025

By Xinying Valerian Employees at Aurora Santa Rosa Hospital just got a big reason to celebrate! A recent court decision paves the way for them to fight back together over alleged wage theft and missed breaks. Here’s what you need to know: The Case: Nicole Chettero, a former nurse, sued the hospital claiming:  Nursing department …

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PAGA protects california workers

Don’t Believe the Naysayers: PAGA Protects California Workers

Employment Law, Wage & Hour / February 21, 2025

California workers, beware! There’s a ballot initiative being put in front of California voters in the November 2024 election that is harmful to workers’ rights cause. The ballot initiative will weaken a longstanding law that protects you from wage theft and other unfair practices. This law is called PAGA (the Labor Code Private Attorneys General …

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AB 2188 Protects Off-Duty Cannabis Use

A Breath of Fresh Air: AB 2188 Protects Off-Duty Cannabis Use Starting January 2024

Employee Rights / February 21, 2025

In a significant victory for employee rights, California’s Assembly Bill 2188 (AB 2188) has prohibited discrimination against employees based on their off-duty cannabis use. This landmark legislation marks a crucial step forward in safeguarding personal freedom and ensuring fair employment practices. It comes into effect on January 1, 2024. Prior to AB 2188, employers in …

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