California work laws – also known as labor laws – are a set of rules that require employers to treat employees fairly. These laws affect hours, wages and working conditions, and companies have to follow them all or face legal repercussions.
California work laws also cover things like:
- Wage theft
- Unpaid wages
- Unpaid overtime
- Unpaid sales commissions
- Safety and health protection
- Operating rules
The purpose behind most employment laws in California is to ensure that all employees have safe working environments, and that employers are treating and paying them fairly.
About California Work Laws
California’s work laws include 29 codes designed to protect employees. The legislature often changes the laws to provide broader protections for workers.
If your employer violates these labor laws and you have to suffer the consequences for it, you could have legal recourse – that means you could be eligible to file a lawsuit and recover compensation for your employer’s failure to properly take care of you.
Suing for Damages in Work Law Cases
For most people, it makes sense to talk to a Glendale employment lawyer who understands the most current versions of our labor laws and who can fight hard to get his clients the compensation they deserve.
Whether your employer has failed to pay you the appropriate wages, keep your workplace safe and free from dangerous hazards, or isn’t allowing you to have the breaks you’ve earned at work, you may have a case.
What Do Employers Have to Do Under California Work Laws?
Employers must:
- Pay employees at least the minimum wage
- Pay employees for overtime
- Provide meal and rest breaks
- Ensure employees are of a legal age to work
- Provide employees with the appropriate leaves, such as family and medical leave, pregnancy disability leave, and more
- Provide a safe working environment
- Give employees the appropriate notification before closing a plant or conducting mass layoffs
Additionally, employers cannot discriminate or retaliate against employees.
A Word on Discrimination
The California Fair Employment and Housing Act prohibits employers from discriminating against employees and potential employees. The laws protect employees and potential employees from discrimination due to:
- Race, color and religion
- Sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions stemming from any of those)
- Ancestry and national origin (including language use restrictions)
- Disability
- Genetic information
- Medical conditions
- Age
- Gender, including gender identity and gender expression
- Sexual orientation
- Marital status
If your employer has violated any of California’s work laws, you could have a case to bring to court. Your best bet is to talk to an attorney if you suspect your employer is guilty of breaking the law; your attorney will be able to evaluate your situation and find out whether you have a case. If you do, your attorney will file the right paperwork with the courts and the labor board to have your case heard.
Do You Need to Talk to a Lawyer About California Work Laws?
You may be eligible to sue your employer to recover the money, benefits and other things you’ve lost as a result of work law violations.
Call us at 818-805-1645 or 800-774-4163, or contact us online for a free case review. We’ll answer all your questions, talk about your rights, and show you how we can help you. If we accept your case, you don’t pay a dime until we win.
