California labor laws exist to protect employees from illegal and wrongful workplace actions, and they are necessary because California is an at-will employment state. Suppose you are an employee working in the private sector. In that case, your employer can generally...
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Employment Law
Salaried employees shouldn’t assume they don’t get overtime
Many California employers choose to pay their employees a flat salary instead of an hourly wage. In a perfect world, this should benefit both the employee and their company. The employee will enjoy higher pay and some freedom and flexibility with their hours, while...
Understanding severance agreements
A severance agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the separation between an employer and employee. It is usually used when an employee is terminated or laid off. There are several elements that are commonly included. The agreement should address how much...
I just got laid off while on FMLA. Is that legal?
Using your leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act and the California Family Rights Act is never an easy choice. Even so, the choice is made for you because you either need to care for your own serious health condition or to care for a family member. One benefit...
Can you be fired for lying on your CV?
Picture this: You’ve seen your dream job on Indeed or LinkedIn. You have everything the employer is looking for. Well, almost everything. The employer is looking for at least 10 years of work experience in a similar role. But you’ve only worked for three years. So,...
Informing your employer about your pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of the leading roots of discrimination in the workplace. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces laws to protect applicants and employees who are pregnant. This means you are protected from being discriminated against,...
What are microaggressions?
Microaggressions can be a form of harassment or an indication of discrimination on the job. These are small interactions, such as thinly veiled insults or backhanded compliments. They’re not as overt as direct discrimination, but they can be an indicator of the same...
What can you do if your boss is trying to get rid of you?
Navigating a challenging work situation can be stressful, especially when your boss tries to push you out of the company. You need to remember that you have options and can take steps to protect yourself and your career. Below are some practical steps you can take if...
Do you have to give your employer a notice before quitting?
California is an at-will employment state. Basically, this means that your employer can end the employment contract at any time and for whatever reason as long as they keep it legal, of course. While this might sound unfair, the opposite applies too. As an employee...
Why do restaurants see so much sexual harassment?
The restaurant industry provides a lot of employment. What’s more, it offers a lot of part-time work ideal for students or parents of young children who cannot work full-time. The downside (apart from the low wages) is that the industry has a higher-than-usual rate of...