Category Archives: Employment
Even a One-Time Racial Slur May be Workplace Discrimination
When it comes to employment discrimination and harassment in the workplace, courts will generally look to two factors, to see if there is an actionable case. They will look to see if the harassment or conduct complained of was either severe, or continuing. For example, a comment or a one-time comment may not be… Read More »
Your Employer Could Ask You to Sign These Contracts or Clauses
In some jobs, your employer will never ask you to sign a contract or agreement. But in others, they will—and they may ask you to sign a lot of different documents. But what are they, and what’s the difference between them? Non Compete Agreements Non-compete agreements have long been barred in California, but they’re… Read More »
What is Disparate Impact Discrimination?
Let’s say that a company had to hire workers. To find these employees, they only advertise and promote the job openings, at college career festivals. Is there anything wrong with doing this? On the surface, it would seem this is fine. An employer can advertise jobs wherever and however it wants to, and everybody… Read More »
Can Your Employer Discriminate Against You Because of Your Height?
Many of us tend to obsess over our height. At work, we would hope, height doesn’t matter. But does the law protect people who are not tall, or for that matter, people who may be abnormally tall? Does being short (or shorter), or very tall, entitle a worker to some protection at work, and… Read More »
The ADA and “Invisible Disabilities”
When we think of a disability that would be covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we often assume that if someone is disabled, we’ll know it—we’ll be able to see it or recognize it. But that’s not always the case. There are a number of disabilities which are often referred to as… Read More »
Pregnancy and Post-Birth Protections at Work for the New Mother
If you are a soon to be new mother you’ve got a lot of new changes in store. But those changes aren’t just at home. They also have to do with work, and understanding how the law protects you, and the time you need for your pregnancy and to care for your newborn. Pregnancy… Read More »
Genetic Discrimination at Work is Illegal
We probably can guess the categories where discrimination at work is illegal. Gender, sexuality, pregnancy, age, disability, race or nationality, among others, comes to mind. But many people aren’t aware of another area where it is illegal to discriminate against you at work: based on your genetics. Examples of Genetic Discrimination Imagine, for example,… Read More »
California Clarifies What Hours Construction Workers Must be Paid For
The California Supreme Court recently provided some guidance to employees and employers, as to what hours are compensable and what aren’t. The result is somewhat of a mixed bag, but at least, there is some clarity for those who work in the construction field. Work Before or After Work The issues in the case… Read More »
Can You be Punished for Testifying Against Your Employer?
Let’s say that you are at work, minding your own business, and then it comes: you get a notice that you are being called to testify as a witness. That’s not a problem, except for one thing: the Defendant being sued is your employer, meaning that someone has subpoenaed you to provide testimony against… Read More »
What and Who Are Exempt Employees Under the FLSA?
If you are a worker in California, you have the right to be paid for the hours that you work. And, most importantly, the right to be paid extra for any hours that you work as overtime, generally described as more than 40 hours a week. That is all pursuant to the Fair Labor… Read More »
