Recent Blog Posts
Coworker Harassment: The Need For Protected Status and Severe/Pervasive Standard
Federal and state laws prohibit employers from engaging in or permitting harassment of employees in the workplace. Workplace harassment can take many forms, but as a general matter, it concerns hostile conduct committed by supervisors or coworkers targeted at an employee based on an aspect of the employee that is legally protected. Below, we… Read More »
Employer Liability for Independent Contractor: 1099
We’ve seen a recent fight in California over the definition of “independent contractor.” In the new gig economy world, companies like Uber and Lyft offer flexible work opportunities but seek to keep those workers defined as independent contractors, even when they work near full-time for one employer. With the passage of Proposition 22 in… Read More »
What to Know About California’s Fair Pay Act?
In 2016, California put into effect the Fair Pay Act. The Act was intended to give employees an easier path for claiming unlawful pay discrimination, including by expanding the understanding of when two employees should be considered equal, and by protecting employees who want to talk about their wages with co-workers in order to… Read More »
Salesperson Overtime Exemption and California Law
California law guarantees certain protections for employees across the state, including things like minimum wage, workers’ compensation, and additional pay for working overtime. There are, however, exceptions to the general protections afforded to employees. Some protections do not apply to certain types of employees or that apply differently. Continue reading to learn about the… Read More »
What Are Illegal Firing Practices in California?
California law provides strong protections for employees against wrongful termination and other discriminatory conduct. Employers who terminate workers for unlawful reasons face the prospect of owing back wages, benefits, and significant additional damages to aggrieved former employees. Continue reading for a discussion of illegal firing practices in California, and speak with an experienced California… Read More »
What Are the Whistleblower Laws in California?
Whistleblower laws are meant to protect employers who report suspected unlawful conduct from being punished by their employers. California is a particularly worker-friendly state with very strong whistleblower protections. Read on to learn about California’s whistleblower laws and call a knowledgeable California wrongful termination and retaliation lawyer with any questions or for help with… Read More »
How Will the Supreme Court’s Decision in Bostock Affect Employees in California?
The Supreme Court recently issued a landmark decision extending Title VII antidiscrimination protections to claims based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Court ruled that terminating employers because they are gay, lesbian, or transgender is a violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. California law, however, already includes protections against discrimination based… Read More »
What to Do if My Coworker is Sexually Harassing Me
California law protects employees against all forms of discrimination in the workplace, including sexual harassment. While the country has been making strides towards shedding light on and eliminating sexual harassment in many industries, the problem is still, unfortunately, widespread. If your coworker or manager is sexually harassing you, there are steps you can take… Read More »
Benefits Available to Workers and Small Businesses Hurt Financially by the Coronavirus
The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic continues to rage on, causing economic turmoil around the country. Many businesses under forced closure are experiencing significant hardship, leading to employees being furloughed or terminated. The federal and state governments have been passing various forms of economic relief for workers and small businesses harmed by the pandemic. Continue reading… Read More »
Coronavirus Paid Leave Requirements in California
As many businesses face significant losses and the economy struggles due to the coronavirus pandemic, many individual employees find themselves unable to go to work either due to active sickness or out of caution to avoid exposure and viral spread. The federal government has been moving slowly but surely towards protecting workers and businesses… Read More »
