California Employee Rights
Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, Minimum Wage Increase, and More, in Store for California Employees Beginning January 2014
In October 2013, Governor Brown signed several significant bills that increase and protect the earnings of low-wage and immigrant workers. After years of stagnation and prior unsuccessful attempts, the state minimum wage will finally see an increase after the approval of AB 10 (Asm. Alejo). The new law raises the $8 an hour minimum wage…
Read More8 Significant Employment-Related Bills Signed by Governor Brown in 2013
As of today, the Governor has signed 8 significant employment-related bills into law, covering: Minimum wage increase, from $8 to $10/hour, over two years Change in definition of sexual harassment to provide broader protection for employees Recovery of defense attorney’s fees in wage claims only if bad faith Expansion of coverage of Paid Family Leave Mandatory…
Read MoreRetaliating Against an Undocumented Worker Who Complains about Unlawful Activity isn’t Tolerated in California
On October 5, 2013, Governor Brown signed SB 666 (Steinberg) into law. SB 666 does the following: It overturns MacDonald v. State of California (discussed here), in which the Court of Appeal held that an employee must exhaust the administrative remedy set forth in Labor Code section 98.7 before pursuing a civil claim for retaliatory discharge…
Read MoreTwo Pro-Employee Laws Signed by Governor Brown in September 2013
1) Increase in the State Minimum Wage Governor Brown signed AB 10. This bill raises the minimum wage in two $1.00 increments, from the current $8 per hour rate to $9 per hour effective July 1, 2014. Then to $10 per hour effective January 1, 2016. 2) Paid Family Leave Coverage Expanded SB 770 was…
Read MoreEmployees with Legitimate Claims for Overtime Should Not Crumble Under Employer Threats
California has fee-shifting provision in place for claimants seeking unpaid minimum wages and unpaid overtime pay, by which the prevailing employee is entitled to attorney’s fees. Many employer defendants have sought to scare away a former employee plaintiff by “reminding” them that if the employee loses, the employer will go after them for their fees…
Read MoreAparte de los permisos de ausencia comunes, ¿cuáles otros derechos tiene Ud. a un permiso de ausencia pagado o no pagado?
Un empleado puede tomar tiempo fuera del trabajo, sin miedo de perder su trabajo, para: 1. Permiso de ausencia para actividades honorables – Código laboral §§ 230.3-.4; 1501-1507. Se requiere de los empleadores en California que dejen a los empleados tomar permiso de ausencia no pagado para servir como bomberos voluntarios, policía de reserva, personal…
Read MoreWet Seal agrees to pay 7.5 million to settle gender discrimination class action lawsuit
Wet Seal, a California based retailer, has settled a national class action suit that was filed in federal district court. The employment discrimination case was based on the company’s alleged Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 violation. The act prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on sex, race, national origin, color…
Read MoreOther than the common leaves of absence taken from work, what other rights do you have to take a paid/unpaid leave?
An employee may also take time off work, without fear of losing their job, for: 1. Time Off For Honorable Activities –Lab. Code §§ 230.3-.4; 1501-1507. Employers in California are required to allow employees to take unpaid leaves of absence to serve as volunteer firefighters, reserve peace officers, emergency rescue personnel, or as a member of…
Read MoreForced or Asked to Sign an Arbitration Agreement at Work?
Why Does it Matter? Many employers ask (or require) employees to sign arbitration agreements. Once signed, the employee gives up their right to sue their employer in court over job-related issues such as wrongful termination, breach of contract, and discrimination. An employee who signs an arbitration agreement promises to pursue legal claims against the employer…
Read MoreGordon Ramsey’s Own Nightmare-A Class Action Lawsuit Against Fat Cow in LA
Jennifer Becerra, Montinique Dever, Andrea Bourke and Lauren Benge have filed a lawsuit on behalf of themselves and all other hourly, non-exempt current and former employees (“Class Members”), alleging that while working for the famed chef, he and his restaurant: “(1) required Class Members to work through their meal and rest periods without paying compensation…
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