Discrimination and retaliation claims require a plaintiff to prove that they suffered an “adverse employment action.” Under state and federal law, adverse employment actions encompass much more than termination or demotion. Rather, adverse employment actions include any employer conduct that materially and negatively affects the terms, conditions, or privileges...
If you’re navigating a workplace issue in California—whether it’s discrimination, unpaid wages, an injury, or a dispute over your contract—you may wonder: Which area of law protects me? Understanding the differences between employment law, labor law, workers’ compensation, and contract law is critical to enforcing your rights at work....
In conversation, people use the terms “discrimination,” “harassment,” and “retaliation” interchangeably to mean unfair and possibly illegal treatment at work. But each of these terms has a distinct legal meaning. If you’re talking to an employment lawyer, or even asserting your rights at work on your own, it is...
If you are a Golden State employee seeking unemployment benefits, California eligibility requirements can be confusing. As one of the most populous states in the U.S., California offers a comprehensive unemployment insurance program designed to provide temporary financial assistance to eligible individuals. However, to access these benefits, workers must...
Yes. California is an “at-will” employment state, which means your employer can fire you at any time, with or without a reason, and without warning Losing your job is one of the most destabilizing events you can experience, especially when it comes out of nowhere. Maybe your employer failed...
Many employees who experience mistreatment at work don’t realize there are deadlines for legal action. The statute of limitations for employment claims in California ranges from one to four years, depending on the situation. Waiting too long to file a claim can mean missing out on compensation or holding...
For most employees, a workplace leave of absence is no picnic. Unlike vacation days, job leave gives employees a temporary break from work to deal with specific family, medical, or life events. Many companies today offer leave time to workers facing personal challenges. However, employees often fear that extended...
The California legislature has been a trailblazer in the ongoing fight for workers’ rights, enacting new California employment laws that serve as models for other state legislatures. 2024 brings new California employment laws to this landscape, including the nation’s largest paid sick leave entitlement, a groundbreaking law creating a...
Despite recent societal changes, thousands of employees each year continue to face types of workplace discrimination. One of the most common forms of discrimination in the workplace is ageism, also referred to as age-based discrimination, which can significantly impact the lives and careers of workers who are victims of...
California has several laws that protect employees who “blow the whistle” on their employer’s illegal conduct. However, some people hesitate to report their employer, especially if they are contract or temporary workers. Employers sometimes assume that temporary or contract workers have fewer rights with respect to whistleblower protections than...