Deductions And Compensation: What’s Legal
A general principle of the work world is that you should be paid fairly. That means that you are compensated for anything that is part of your job and that money shouldn’t be taken out of your paycheck willy-nilly. Knowing exactly what that covers is critical to defending your rights in the workplace. Fortunately, the […]
5 Ways that Employers Unlawfully Deny Meal and Rest Breaks: Are Your Rights Being Violated?
Here in California, the laws about rest and meal breaks are undeniably clear. For every eight hours of work, an employee is entitled to two paid ten-minute rest breaks and one unpaid 30 minute meal break. These laws were put in place for a reason and proof of violation is clear grounds for a lawsuit, […]
Overtime Laws Are Affecting California Agricultural Workers and Growers
California farm workers stand to lose $180 (15 hours) weekly income under 2017 legislation introduced by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, D-San Diego. The workers will earn overtime pay after 8 hours a day and/or 40 hours a week instead of the standard pay for 10-hour days and 60-hour work weeks. The rules will be enforced in […]
Salon or Spa Worker? You Should Get Paid For Rest And Recovery Periods
In 2015, Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 1513, and it went into effect on January 1, 2016. And wow, were the owners of salons and spas in for a surprise. You see, hair stylists and massage therapists have traditionally been paid by the job, with part of the price of the service going to the […]
What You Can Do When You Think You’re Not Being Paid Properly
If you’re like most employees, your job probably isn’t easy. But when you think you’re being cheated on your wages, it can be especially frustrating. Unfortunately, sometimes employees aren’t properly paid or reimbursed for expenses for uniforms or other work-related costs. In some cases, workers aren’t paid for meal breaks or rest breaks. Here’s what […]
California Workers Win Millions for Violations of Overtime Pay, Meal and Rest Breaks
California labor laws regarding overtime pay and breaks for rest and meals are clear and unambiguous. That fact hasn’t dissuaded unscrupulous employers in the state from victimizing employees in the misguided belief that they can get away with violating those laws. Perhaps they think their workers won’t notice their illegal behavior or will be too […]
Recover Your Unpaid Overtime Wages
Hard work can feel good, but not when you are not rightfully compensated. California state law protects workers by regulating how workers are paid when working overtime and extended work weeks. The overtime laws in California are very clear-cut: You are entitled to time-and-a-half pay for any hours over eight hours in a day and […]
2017: New California Employment Laws
There will be several new California employment laws in 2017. Changes in employment law are, for the most part, intended to provide California workers with more rights and protections. It is up to employers to become familiar with the new laws as failure to comply can lead to civil penalties and lawsuits brought by employees […]
7 Examples of How Your Retail Store Employer Is Taking Advantage Of You
If you work in retail, there are several ways that you may not be getting fully compensated, and your retail store employer is taking advantage of you. For example, if your employer requires you to purchase clothing from its store or to wear clothing of a specific color or design (such as wearing all black), […]
What To Do, And Not To Do, When You’re Getting Fired
One of the most exciting experiences I have as an employment lawyer is meeting a prospective new client, hearing their story, and starting to formulate in my own mind the many ways I’m gonna make that rotten company pay for what they did. As the story unfolds, I start to see a great case for […]