California Employment Law Blog

When your employer forces you into arbitration and refuses to pay required fees, the law gives you the right to walk away from the process. A recent California appellate decision has made that clear, strengthening the ability of employees to seek justice without being trapped by delay tactics. What Happened in the Sanders Arbitration Dispute…

In a recent decision, a California appellate court ruled that employers may enforce meal period waivers under specific conditions for shifts between five and six hours. While this ruling may appear favorable to employers, it also highlights the importance of knowing your rights and making informed decisions in the workplace. What the Court Said About…

If your employer fires you because of your age, you have the right to pursue compensation. That protection applies no matter your background or immigration status. A recent California appellate decision confirms that undocumented workers may still recover lost wages in a workplace discrimination case if the employer cannot prove it knew about the worker’s…

If you bring a workplace harassment or retaliation claim to trial, you expect the judge and jury to weigh the facts fairly. Unfortunately, not every trial proceeds without serious mistakes. In a recent case out of Los Angeles, a tenured professor sued a public college district for sexual harassment and retaliation, ultimately winning a $10…

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…