Federal laws protect employees countrywide in almost all private enterprises. On the state level, California has more employee protection laws than almost any other state. These laws allow employees to have rights when treated unfairly in the workplace. They also allow for employees to work together to address problems with the workplace, like increasing pay and working conditions.
California Employee Protection Laws
- Employee classification: Employee misclassification is one of the most common ways that employers break the law. Multiple California state agencies, such as the California Department of Labor Standards Enforcement, exist to protect workers from being misclassified and denied rights and benefits. Some jobs, like managerial positions, are exempt from wage and overtime laws, meaning that employers to steal wages by misclassifying them as managers.
- Losing or leaving jobs: There are wrongful termination laws, layoff protection laws, and unemployment benefits that exist to protect employees. You should not be terminated for addressing workplace issues with your employer.
- Discrimination: In California and every other state, every worker is protected from discrimination in the process of hiring, working, promotional opportunities, or firing. This applies to sex, race, age (over 40), disabilities, genetic information and many other reasons.
More laws exist that protect employees in California than most workers realize. If you feel like something is wrong with the way you or someone you know is treated at the workplace, a Los Angeles employment attorney can help you know if one of these laws apply to your case.