Employee Rights

In a groundbreaking move, California has become the first state to explicitly recognize intersectional discrimination in employment law. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 899 into law on September 27, 2024, strengthening protections for employees who face discrimination based on multiple overlapping protected characteristics rather than a single category. This law is a significant …

California Expands Workplace Protections with Intersectional Discrimination Law Read More »

California employees are entitled to certain protections under the state’s labor laws, particularly regarding paid sick leave. However, issues often arise when employers implement “no-fault attendance policies.” Understanding these policies—and how they interact with California’s paid sick leave laws—can help employees and employers ensure compliance with the law. What is Paid Sick Leave in California? …

Paid Sick Leave in California: What are No-Fault Attendance Policies? Read More »

Workplace discrimination can create a toxic environment, undermine employee confidence, and violate legal protections. However, identifying and effectively documenting discriminatory behavior is essential for holding employers accountable. This guide provides practical advice to recognize workplace discrimination and build a strong case, with insights from an experienced workplace discrimination lawyer. What Is Workplace Discrimination? Workplace discrimination occurs when …

How to Recognize and Document Workplace Discrimination: Tips from a Workplace Discrimination Lawyer Read More »

Workplace pregnancy discrimination is a challenging reality that many employees face today, impacting both new and expecting mothers in all sectors. Despite legal protections, outdated assumptions about women’s ability to balance motherhood and work persist, leading to unfair treatment and missed opportunities. This article sheds light on how pregnancy discrimination can affect employment, what federal …

The Reality of Workplace Pregnancy Discrimination: When to Consult a Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer Read More »

Have you ever felt a nagging suspicion that you’re being underpaid compared to your colleagues? Or perhaps you’ve watched less qualified coworkers climb the corporate ladder while you remain stuck on the same rung, despite your consistent hard work and positive reviews. If these scenarios sound familiar, you’re not alone, and you may be experiencing …

Equal Pay and Promotion in California: What You Need to Know Read More »

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. …

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

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, …

Microaggressions: Recognizing and Addressing Subtle Workplace Discrimination Read More »

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 …

Hostile Work Environment: Recognizing and Addressing Workplace Harassment Read More »

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 …

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

In California, the food service industry is a vital component of the state’s economy, employing millions of people and contributing significantly to the tax base. However, for many of these workers, the financial burden of obtaining a food handler card has been a major barrier to employment. Financial Hurdles for Job Applicants California law mandates …

California’s New Food Handler Card Law: A Victory for Restaurant Workers Read More »