California employees have many civil rights protections available. One of these is the right to be free from discrimination. If you feel you are a victim of workplace discrimination, you can file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (“CRD”)....
Asking employment applicants about criminal history
Before hiring, many employers run a background check to see if an applicant has a criminal history. California employers should be aware of California’s so-called “ban the box” law that regulates when and how employers can run background checks. California’s ‘Ban the...
Can employers require female employees to wear makeup at work?
Some women in Santa Monica enjoy wearing makeup while others decide it is not necessary for them. Women who regularly do not wear makeup may decide not to wear it to work. Still, some employers have dress codes that include wearing makeup. Can female workers be...
Am I entitled to family leave under the FMLA?
Many employers offer their employees vacation time, sick time and personal days to take some time to focus on things outside of work. Sometimes, however, an employee will require additional time off to deal with illness or other major life changes. Employers covered...
How to avoid discrimination in performance appraisals
As an employer, you have to stay on your toes if you want to avoid being accused of discrimination. This means that your policies and practices have to be well-thought out, and the way you treat your employees has to be fair. This is easier said than done, and one...
Should I sue for wrongful termination?
California is an at-will state when it comes to employment, which means, generally, your employer can fire you at any time, for any reason. However, there are certain situations where you may have a claim for wrongful termination. What is and is not wrongful...
Sexual harassment and favoritism
Most people have at least a general idea of what sexual harassment is, and know that it is illegal. But many people do not understand how sexual favoritism may be related to sexual harassment. What is sexual favoritism? When benefits and opportunities in the workplace...
Minimum hourly wage update for California in 2023
Our state is known as the Golden State, and sometimes, it may feel like you need a couple gold bars to make the cost of living here work. For those working minimum wage, there is some relief coming. The California legislature recently issued a new update to the state...
Identifying independent contractors under the ‘ABC test’
The distinction between an employee and an independent contractor can be confusing for employers and workers alike. Still, it is an important distinction to make as employees are granted rights that are not available to independent contractors. California’s “ABC test”...
What are my rights to practice my religion at work?
As is the case throughout the country, employers in the Los Angeles area may not discriminate against employees because of their religious preferences. Both under federal law and under California’s employment laws, religious preferences can include much more than an...