What Does the Federal “Deferred Action” Program Mean for California Employees?
Noncitizen workers are some of the most vulnerable employees in the U.S. Whether they are undocumented employees or in the country on a work visa, these people are often essentially held hostage by their employers. Unscrupulous businesses will readily hold the threat of being reported to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) over noncitizens’ heads. […]
California Supreme Court Refuses to Halt Workplace Discrimination Lawsuit Against Tesla
The California Supreme Court has refused car manufacturer Tesla’s petition to review or halt a workplace racial discrimination case filed against it. In doing this, the justices upheld a lower court’s decision to permit the plaintiffs to sue Tesla instead of being forced into arbitration. Additionally, in a first for the state, the decision upheld […]
Federal Trade Commission May Ban Non-Competition Clauses
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced a proposed rule that would ban all non-competition clauses in employment contracts nationwide. The proposal is the latest in a series of actions by the FTC and encouraged by the Biden Administration that demonstrate a renewed dedication to protecting workers’ interests instead of large employers. While the FTC […]
Is Your Employer Withholding Overtime Pay?
Overtime is one of the most important protections the federal government provides workers. Requiring that covered employees receive extra compensation for working more than 40 hours a week incentives employers to provide livable hours. However, some employers attempt to avoid paying this additional compensation and push their workers harder by misclassifying them as exempt. If […]
Critical Employment Law Updates for 2023
The start of a new year means new legislation is about to kick in. Over the past year, California legislators worked hard to enshrine new protections for workers into law, and many of those bills are about to come into effect. Below are some of the most significant expansions to California employee rights in 2023. […]
Understanding California’s New Pay Transparency Law
California’s Governor Gavin Newsom has officially signed the new pay transparency law, SB 1162. It will go into effect in 2023. This law is intended to help women and minorities pursue fair pay and close the wage gap. The bill will impact most companies that operate in California, so it should benefit almost all workers […]
Is Your Startup Employer Violating Labor Laws?
Startups can be exciting, innovative, and fun places to work. They are often small and agile enough to respond to situations quickly and open-minded enough to spot opportunities that other companies don’t. However, that same flexibility and lack of regard for tradition can quickly lead to problems like disregarding labor laws. That’s when working for […]
How to Make Sure Your Employment Contract Is Fair
Your employment agreement is one of the most important contracts in your life. It dictates critical information like your pay, schedule, responsibilities, and benefits. Whether you’re considering a new job or concerned about your current one, you should read the contract to ensure that it’s fair, equitable, and legally enforceable. Otherwise, you could find yourself […]
Meal & Rest Benefits Part of Employee Wages CA Supreme Court Rules
In a critical win for California workers, the state Supreme Court has ruled that meal and rest period premiums are considered “wages” under state law. In short, this means that companies who must pay these premiums have to treat them like any other wages. They can’t withhold these funds, and ignoring them may be wage […]
Your Right to Take Vacation Days in California
American culture emphasizes the importance of a strong work ethic. Many people feel like taking a vacation or sick day is a sign that they aren’t dedicated to their work. Unscrupulous employers often capitalize on this by trying to discourage employees from taking their contractual vacation or sick days. However, if your employer has promised […]