Blog
Understanding Backpay and Your Paycheck Rights
By federal law, you are entitled to your paycheck. Employers might be able to decide how and when you get paid, but federal laws are strict when it comes to the payroll process. The Fair Labor Standards Act plays a significant role in your wages. If an employer failed to compensate you in full for… read more
Simple Guide to Handling Overtime Violations
Overtime pay, once used as an economic stimulus program, is now considered an employee right. If an employee works more than a standard work week, they should be paid a premium, specifically time and a half. The problem is that many employers try to avoid paying the overtime premium and could violate worker’s rights while… read more
Can an Employer Cancel Vacation Time After Approved?
Earned vacation time is often the best part about work, until it isn’t. Employees are often surprised that vacation time is not federally mandated. This makes it even more surprising when vacation time can be just as easily taken away. Vacation time can be paid or unpaid, offered or not, depending on your employer. Vacation… read more
How to Prove Wrongful Termination in 3 Easy Steps
Losing your job is difficult under the best of circumstances. If you suspect your employer is guilty of wrongful termination, however, it can be even harder to accept the loss of job—and you should not have to. Wrongful termination is against the law. California employment laws protect employees from discharge due to discrimination or retaliation…. read more
What is the WARN Act?
When your employer downsizes your company, you may wonder what your rights are. Unfortunately, the law does not protect your position or your options for future employment. Your employer retains the right to lay off employees when the company is in a difficult situation. However, you do have the right to receive notice prior to… read more
What Is and What Isn’t Considered Invasion of Privacy?
If you are a California employee, you may wonder what your expectations are in regard to your privacy in the workplace. Under California law, you have a right to privacy in four situations and can hold an employer liable if he or she violates your reasonable expectation to privacy. What is an Invasion of Privacy?… read more
Can You Be Fired for Being an Alcoholic?
Under U.S. law, certain protections exist to protect employees against discrimination. Protected categories include race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and disability. The definition of disability is not always clear, especially when growing scientific research shows that substance abuse is related to a person’s mental health. If an employee suffers from alcoholism, can the employer fire… read more
Whistleblowers: The Pros and Cons of Whistleblowing
A whistleblower is someone who files charges against an employer or coworker for engaging in illegal or unethical business practices. It is typically an employee of the workplace that discovers a plot or scheme, and comes forward to report the employer to authorities. Blowing the whistle on an employer puts an employee at risk of… read more
Sexual Harassment: How to Recognize Sexual Orientation Discrimination
Workplaces in California must be welcoming of all employees, regardless of sex, gender, race, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Employers and coworkers cannot discriminate against an employee on the basis of any protected class, including gender identity, marital status, or real or perceived HIV disability. Doing so would constitute sexual harassment and discrimination, and could… read more
Are California Employers Required to Pay You for Jury Duty?
Jury duty is an obligation that many adults have to participate in. It is illegal to not report for jury duty without providing an acceptable excuse based on state guidelines. However, participating in jury duty can be a financial hardship for many people. If an employer refuses to pay an employee for time taken to… read more