California Employment Lawyers

California is known as a worker-friendly state, distinguished by its strong protections for employees. These include a high minimum wage, expansive workplace anti-discrimination policies, provisions for paid sick leave and family leave, and other benefits. These measures, all of which are additional to protections afforded by federal employment laws, create a robust framework of employment and labor laws that safeguard all workers within the state. However, when employers violate an employee’s rights or when an employee suspects that their rights have been violated, it may be necessary to engage skilled California employment lawyers who can examine the situation and explain the employee’s legal options.

How Do California Employment Lawyers Assist  Employees?

A California employment lawyer can play a critical role in ensuring that employees’ rights are upheld and that employees receive the protection and compensation they deserve when those rights have been violated. Employment lawyers can assist in a variety of matters, including cases of discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and wage and hour disputes. Whether interpreting complex legal language, gathering the necessary evidence to support a claim, representing the employee in negotiations with employers or before a court, or ensuring that any settlement or resolution is fair and just, an employment lawyer’s experience is invaluable. By advocating on behalf of employees, employment lawyers help to balance the scales, providing a voice to those who may feel marginalized or powerless within their workplace environments.

Understanding California’s Protections for Workers

California law includes a variety of protections for workers, such as:

The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)

The FEHA applies to any employer with five or more employees and makes it illegal to discriminate against employees with protected characteristics and in classes, including: 

• Race 
• Color
• Religion
• Ancestry and national origin
• Medical condition
• Mental or physical disability
• Age
• Marital status
• Genetic information
• Sex and sexual orientation
• Gender, gender identity, and gender expression
• Veteran or military status
• Pregnancy, including related health issues and childbirth

Retaliation against an employee who reports, opposes, or helps another individual in fighting employee discrimination is not allowed under FEHA. FEHA likewise prohibits harassment, which is considered a type of unlawful discrimination. In addition, FEHA calls for employers to provide equal pay, grant specific pregnancy accommodations, allow discussions around wages, protect whistleblowers, and give employees access to their own personnel files. 

Hiring and Recruiting

Background checks and drug testing for pre-employment purposes are perfectly legal. However, employers are only allowed to make limited inquiries regarding salary history. If you believe you have been subjected to illegal hiring practices, consult knowledgeable California employment lawyers.

Hours, Wages, and Benefits

California imposes specific rules about minimum wage, child labor, overtime pay, rest and meal breaks, and breastfeeding or lactation breaks. Employers must also follow strict laws and regulations concerning employee benefits, pay statements, temporary disability insurance, wage notice requirements, wage deductions, and health care continuation. 

Termination

If your employer terminated you for discriminatory reasons, in violation of your contract’s terms, or for exercising your legal rights, California law may provide you with a valid claim for wrongful termination. 

Speak to an Experienced California Employment Lawyer Today

If you believe your employer has violated your legal rights, seek advice from the experienced California employment lawyers at Miller Shah LLP. Our team can help preserve your legal rights under state and federal laws and help you seek compensation from your employer if necessary. Call us or fill out our online form to schedule your consultation today.