In exchange for time and hard work, it is natural to expect a fair wage and respect from your boss. Federal and California law protects you when an employer or co-worker harasses, assaults, or discriminates against you. Additionally, you are protected if your boss demotes, retaliates, or fires you because of an innate characteristic or because you acted as a whistleblower. Other employer indiscretions include misclassifying you as an independent contractor when your job duties suggest you are an employee and failing to pay minimum wage.
Dealing with the complex laws that protect you is daunting. A skilled Mar Vista employee rights lawyer could create a personalized legal strategy for you and be your guide throughout the process. Call Employee Civil Rights Group today.
Although the federal minimum wage is currently $7.25 an hour, California’s is $16.00 per hour—with the exception of unincorporated Los Angeles County’s minimum wage of $17.27. Employers cannot decide to pay employees the lesser federal rate; they must pay whichever is highest. Additionally, any workweek over 40 hours must be compensated at time-and-a-half.
Employers also cannot arbitrarily designate employees as independent contractors to save money on benefits and Social Security-matched withholdings. Employees who work under someone’s direction instead of independently should question their status if appropriate deductions are not being withheld from their paychecks. An experienced Mar Vista employee rights attorney could help determine an employee’s correct employment status and assist in recovering any unpaid wages or benefits.
Under Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, the California Fair Employment in Housing Act (FEHA), and other federal and state laws, employers cannot discriminate against workers for qualities they do not control, including:
The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and California’s Family Rights Act (CFRA) address issues of extended leave because of serious health conditions or giving birth without the worry of losing a job. However, employees must have worked for the company for at least a year, along with other conditions that could be detailed by a knowledgeable employment lawyer in Mar Vista.
Retaliation can occur when an employee reports a wage violation, discrimination, or legal infraction against an employer to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). It is common for employers to lash out at employees verbally, physically, emotionally, and through unlawful actions, such as demoting, firing, or reassigning an employee to an inappropriate job.
Retaliation creates a hostile environment that affects everyone and can lead to regulatory complaints and civil lawsuits. In cases of retaliation, a Mar Vista employee rights attorney could provide legal assistance and protect employee rights.
Although your workplace should be a productive, nurturing environment, sometimes bosses and co-workers behave unlawfully. Our attorneys are passionate about getting you justice for workplace improprieties.
We understand how stressful it can be to challenge an employer who holds power over you when it concerns your job. Contact a Mar Vista employee rights lawyer from our firm to learn about your rights and get the results you deserve.
