California Employment Law Blog

Employment agreements should protect workers, not strip them of their rights. A recent California appellate decision reinforced this principle, rejecting an employer’s attempt to force arbitration through a contract stacked in its favor. The ruling highlights how courts are willing to intervene when companies use arbitration clauses to undermine employee protections under California law. Employer’s…

California workers rely on employment protections to ensure fair treatment after suffering an injury on the job. However, a recent appellate court decision highlights a significant gap in these protections, particularly regarding disability retirement benefits. The ruling raises critical questions about how far the law protects injured employees and what options remain when an employer…

When workplace discrimination, harassment, or retaliation disrupts your career, understanding how to pursue justice is critical. California employment laws aim to protect workers from unlawful treatment, but taking legal action often involves procedural challenges that can hinder your case without proper preparation. Having the right legal guidance ensures that your claims are effectively pursued and…

California law protects employees from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the workplace under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and Labor Code section 1102.5. These laws ensure that workers are treated fairly and can report workplace violations without fear of reprisal. A recent case highlights how an employee’s allegations of age discrimination, harassment,…

Recent federal actions targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have raised important questions for California employees. A new executive order directs federal agencies to dismantle DEI programs, limit race-conscious decision-making, and promote a shift toward merit-based systems. While this directive primarily affects federal agencies and contractors, it has the potential to ripple into private…

On December 18, 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a statewide emergency in response to the spread of avian influenza A (H5N1), commonly referred to as bird flu. This declaration highlights the virus’s growing impact, including its spread to dairy cows and the confirmed cases of human transmission since March 2024. While the proclamation focuses on…

A recent California Court of Appeal decision underscores the protections employees have against wrongful termination in violation of public policy, particularly when tied to a disability. In this case, an employee with sickle cell anemia was terminated by a staffing agency after her placement employer expressed concerns about her anticipated absences due to hospitalization. While…

A recent California Court of Appeal decision highlights the challenges employees face when alleging unfair treatment in promotional decisions. The case involved a deputy sheriff who claimed his employer, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, improperly considered a disciplinary proceeding terminated due to a statute of limitations when deciding not to promote him. The employee…

Discrimination in the workplace is prohibited under California law, yet some employers still engage in unlawful behavior. To avoid accountability, they may take steps to mask their discriminatory practices. Understanding the tactics employers might use to cover up discrimination can help you identify when your rights are being violated and take action to protect yourself.…

In California, employees are protected from retaliation when they exercise their rights in the workplace. Retaliation occurs when an employer takes adverse action against an employee because they engaged in a protected activity, such as reporting illegal practices, filing a complaint, or asserting their rights under employment laws. If you’ve experienced retaliation, understanding how to…