Employment laws are complex and ever-changing. There exist a wide variety of statutes at the federal, state and local levels that provide workers with workplace protections. These protections include making sure employees have a safe, discrimination-free and harassment-free working environment. An employer may not retaliate against an individual for opposing discrimination or engaging in union formation or whistle-blowing activities.

Attorneys at Gonzalez & Leigh are experienced in evaluating claims under the patchwork of employment laws. They counsel individuals and groups in such matters, and have argued employment cases at all levels—at administrative hearings as well as in federal and state courts.

Employment Discrimination

Employment discrimination takes many forms. Most generally, it occurs when an employer takes adverse actions against a worker based on that individual's race, religion, gender, disability or sexual orientation. These adverse actions can include bias in recruiting, hiring, promotion, job assignment, compensation or termination.

In California, individuals may bring claims under two types of anti-discrimination laws: federal and state. Consequently, employees who have been discriminated against may sue under the federal laws- (Title VII, ADA or ADEA) or the state law (the California Fair Employment and Housing Act).

Wages, Benefits and Overtime

Employers must comply with federal, state and municipal minimum wage provisions and properly compensate workers for overtime worked beyond 40 hours per week. Currently, the state’s minimum wage stands at $6.75. If you live in San Francisco, the minimum wage is $8.62 for large employers and $7.75 for small businesses/nonprofits.

California labor laws also provide that certain employers are required to offer benefits to their employees with regard to health insurance/COBRA, family leave, sick or personal leave, meal and rest breaks, vacation pay, and notifying workers of massive layoffs or terminations.

Workplace Conditions

Employees are entitled to safe, harassment-free working conditions. If there are unsafe or hostile working conditions, state law gives workers “whistle-blower” protections that allow them to report violations without fear of reprisal from their employers.

In addition, employers are obligated to report certain serious workplace accidents in a timely manner.

Gonzalez & Leigh’s attorneys can help assert your employment rights. Whether through Office of the Labor Commissioner or within federal or state court, our attorneys are experienced employment litigators ready to aggressively pursue your claims.

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Gonzalez & Leigh LLP
Two Shaw Alley, San Francisco, CA 94105
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