Employment Law

Promotion Discrimination — "How Do I Prove It?"Watch this video on YouTube Promotion discrimination is a type of workplace discrimination whereby an employee is passed over for promotion for an unlawful reason, such as the person’s: Race, Religion, Sexual orientation, Disability or Age. If you were not promoted as a result of a discriminatory reason, our …

Bereavement Leave in California — 3 Things to KnowWatch this video on YouTube Under Government Code 12945.7, the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) requires private employers with at least five employees to provide you five days of unpaid bereavement leave after the death of your: Spouse or domestic partner, Child, Parent, Sibling, Grandparent, Grandchild, and/or …

The executive exemption refers to the California employment law that certain wage and hour rules do not apply to certain executive employees. These include the entitlement to a minimum wage, overtime pay, and rest and meal breaks. For example, an “executive” is not entitled to extra pay for working over 40 hours in a single …

As of January 1, 2025, California employers must compensate their computer professional employees with an annual salary of $118,657.43 or more to be exempt from overtime pay. If paid hourly, computer professionals must receive at least $56.97 an hour to be exempt. In addition, these professionals must perform specific work duties to qualify as exempt employees. …

"Outside Sales Exemption" in California Employment Law — "When does it apply?"Watch this video on YouTube The outside sales exemption is the California employment law that exempts a company’s “outside salespeople” from certain wage and hour laws that apply to non-exempt hourly workers. These rights include receiving a minimum wage, overtime pay, and rest and …

The California Fair Employment and Housing Act prohibits both sexual harassment and non-sexual harassment in the workplace.1 Non-sexual workplace harassment means a hostile work environment in which an employee is harassed based on categories such as: Race, Religion, National origin or ancestry, Disability, Immigration status, Sexual orientation or gender identity, and/or Age.2 California harassment law …

In California, back pay is unpaid wages for work you performed during a previous pay period. Back pay, also called “back wages,” is typically paid in a lump sum or added to your next regular paycheck. If you are owed back pay in California, you can file a wage theft claim with the Labor Commissioner …

5 situations when you CANNOT be fired without a good reasonWatch this video on YouTube California is an “at-will” employment state. This means most jobs can be terminated by the employer (as well as the employee) at any time. It is not necessary to give a reason for ending employment. 1 However, there are four …

What is "quid pro quo" sexual harassment? How to bring a lawsuitWatch this video on YouTube Under California employment law, quid pro quo workplace sexual harassment occurs when a supervisor implicitly or explicitly requests a sexual favor in exchange for a job-related benefit such as a promotion, increased pay, or a favorable performance evaluation. Quid …

Hostile Work Environment? 3 Situations Where You Can SueWatch this video on YouTube Under California law, a hostile work environment is defined as offensive or harassing behavior that prevents you from comfortably carrying out your job duties. Some common examples include sexual harassment, bullying, threats, physical altercations or racial slurs. Hostile work environments share similarities …

California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) requires your workplace to be free of both sexual harassment and non-sexual harassment. Common examples of workplace harassment example include: A colleague making sexually-charged jokes about your body or showing you vulgar pictures Your supervisor asking to trade sexual acts for work benefits Your co-workers bullying you over …

Arbitration Agreements for California Workers — "Are they enforceable?"Watch this video on YouTube California law permits employers not to hire you if you refuse to sign an arbitration agreement. An arbitration agreement is where you waive your right to sue in the event of a dispute. Here are five key things to know: Arbitration is …

"Commission-Only Pay" — Is it Legal in California?Watch this video on YouTube Commission-only pay refers to how some California sales employees are paid for work and/or services. In this arrangement, you earn a commission, or an amount of money, when you sell something. This amount is determined by either: the quantity of items you sell, or …

Crime victims leave in California is time off from work granted to you if you or a family member is the victim of a crime. The purpose of this time off is to attend a judicial proceeding related to your case or any other proceeding where your rights are at issue, such as a sentencing …

Job application: Can they ask about my criminal record?Watch this video on YouTube California has a “Ban the Box” law that prohibits employers with five or more employees from inquiring into your criminal history before making a conditional offer of employment. Even after making an offer of employment, an employer cannot deny you because of …

If you have a salaried white-collar job in California, you may fall under the “professional exemption.” This means you are exempt from certain wage and hour protections, such as: minimum wage, overtime pay, and rest and meal breaks. If your employer is misclassifying you as an exempt professional when you are really non-exempt, you are …

Severance Pay in California — Top Key Facts Explained by Labor Law AttorneyWatch this video on YouTube California employers may choose to provide severance pay to laid-off workers even though the law does not require it. Many severance packages also include a separation agreement in which you agree to give up certain rights—such as suing …

Pregnancy discrimination by employers is illegal under both the California Fair Housing and Employment Act (FEHA) and the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA). Between these two laws, California companies with at least five employees are forbidden from using your pregnancy as an excuse to either: Fire or demote you, Not hire or promote you, Deprive …

Age Discrimination in California — "Can I be fired for being too old?"Watch this video on YouTube If you are 40 years old or older, both federal law and California state law protect you from “age discrimination” in the workplace. Signs of age discrimination are being demoted, fired, or passed over for a promotion for …

Pay Periods — "When do I get paid?"Watch this video on YouTube In California, a pay schedule refers to the date(s) and time periods when employers are legally required to pay you. If you do not get paid on time, you can bring a claim for back wages plus waiting time penalties. The following table summarizes …

Gender Discrimination at Work — "When Can I Sue?"Watch this video on YouTube It is against the law for an employer to discriminate against you based on sex or gender. It is also against the law for an employer to pay you and a co-worker of the opposite sex different wages for equal work. If …

How Do I Request My Employment Records in California?Watch this video on YouTube An employment records request refers to your right under California Labor Code 1198.5 to ask your past or present employer for your personnel records. This includes your: applications for employment, payroll records, and performance evaluations. You can request your payroll records orally, …