Employee Rights Blog

That feeling in the pit of your stomach is awful. You've been wrongfully terminated, and it doesn't feel right. You suspect the reason your boss gave isn't the real one, which leads you to ask, is wrongful termination difficult to prove? The simple answer is that it can be a challenge. But it's ...

A San Diego jury recently awarded more than $3 million to former Orange County prosecutor Tracy Miller after finding she was forced out of her position in retaliation for defending her female colleagues from workplace sexual harassment. The jury awarded damages for economic loss, emotional distre...

Discrimination in the workplace is more common that we might think it is. An employment discrimination lawsuit is adjudicated in civil courts. This means that the plaintiff, in such cases, the employee, has the burden of proof. In other words, he or she must show evidence that there was discrimin...

In California, employees have a legal right to speak up when something at work doesn't feel right, especially when it involves their health, protected leave, or mistreatment by management. Unfortunately, many workers who exercise that right are met with the one thing they fear most: getting fired....

Feeling uneasy in workplace conversations is, unfortunately, a reality many face. It's especially disturbing when that power dynamic shifts, and you wish for a different outcome. In 2025, California worker intimidation laws offer stronger protections, empowering employees like you. The California...

Religious discrimination occurs when an employer treats an applicant or employee unfairly on the basis of their religious beliefs or practices. The Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibit religious discrimination in the workplace.  Th...

Facing challenges in the workplace is common. But when those challenges stem from your mental health, it can feel isolating and disheartening. Experiencing mental health workplace discrimination is something no one should have to face. f you've faced discrimination for seeking mental health care...

Discrimination comes in many forms and occurs in different patterns. Some kinds of discrimination are direct, while others are unintended on ancillary. At times, discrimination accompanies or integrates harassment and victimization. Many individuals are treated unfairly at work, school, public pl...

After dedicating years of effort and toil, you conclude that it's time for a new work venture. You do what's deemed professional - you give notice to leave your job gracefully. But then... you're fired after giving notice. This abrupt termination likely has left your mind racing. Is such dismiss...

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 is a federal law that prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or job applicants with disabilities in all aspects of employment including but not limited to hiring, firing, promotion, salaries and training opportunities. In additi...

You may have heard about "stay-or-pay" provisions in employment contracts—clauses that require employees to repay costs if they leave before a certain period. While these provisions are becoming more common, government agencies are pushing back, arguing they may unfairly burden workers. Stay-or-...

Losing your job unexpectedly can feel like the ground has been pulled out from under you. Beyond the emotional impact, a sudden termination brings concerns about finances, career progression, and justice. If you believe you were fired unfairly in California, you are not alone - and more importantly...

You're at work, going about your day when someone makes an inappropriate sexual comment. It catches you off guard, and your mind races. Is this a big deal? Should you do something? This scenario, sadly, is more common than people realize. Understanding what is classified as sexual harassment, you...

Proving workplace discrimination can be a complex and challenging process. However, it is a critical step in ensuring that justice is served and that unlawful conduct does not go unchecked. Successfully navigating a discrimination claim requires a thorough understanding of the legal standards, th...

Mass layoffs are extremely common in every field and industry. The California Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, protects employees, their families and communities by requiring employers to provide a 60-day notice to the affected employees before a plant closing or a mass l...

California's 2017-2018 legislative session ended with a significant number of new labor and employment laws enacted by both the legislature and Governor Brown. Two such laws effect employers and the processes and forms used to recruit new employees.  Below is a summary of two new laws for Califor...

What Is Sexual Orientation Discrimination? Sexual orientation discrimination occurs when an employer discriminates against an individual because they are perceived or actually gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and/or transgender.   Heterosexuals can also experience sexual orientation discrimination. Discr...

If you're a California employee, you may have wondered: Can my employer fire me for no reason? The idea of losing your job unexpectedly, without explanation, is both frustrating and disorienting. California's at-will employment doctrine often leads employees to feel vulnerable, but there are cruc...

If you are a California worker who has been laid off because of the coronavirus pandemic or any other reason, you may be eligible to collect unemployment benefits. In California, employees who are temporarily out of work may qualify for unemployment. Right now, millions are out of a job in the st...

Navigating a disability while managing the demands of a high-pressure job can be incredibly challenging. It's often like walking a tightrope - constantly balancing your health needs with the expectations of your role. When that job is at a major tech company like Google, where performance is everyt...

Sexual Orientation Discrimination – last week, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed two lawsuits charging employers with discriminating against employees based upon their sexual orientation. This is the first time the EEOC has filed two sex discrimination cases against private...

When an employee is suspended at work, it is typically because of a disciplinary measure taken by an employer that involves temporarily barring an employee from performing his or her job duties. While there may be a number of reasons for a job suspension, it is often due to an investigation into ...

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue, and understanding California sexual harassment statistics can be eye-opening. The prevalence of these incidents might surprise you. Many people don't fully grasp the scope of the problem, especially in California. This guide will provide cla...

Sexual harassment occurs in places where it is tolerated. An environment where such behaviors are allowed to continue unchecked is ripe for abuse, harassment and discrimination. Oftentimes, the individual who is harassed may not even be certain that he or she is being harassed in the workplace be...

Have you experienced discrimination? If so, the first step in pursuing a claim is to file a “charge” with either the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). Once your charge is processed, you'll receive a “right to sue” le...