Employment law is a broad area of law that governs the rights and responsibilities between employers and employees. It covers a wide range of legal issues related to the workplace, including hiring, wages, working conditions, discrimination, termination, and employee benefits. Employment law aims to protect workers’ rights while also setting standards for employers to ensure fair treatment and compliance with various regulations. Below are practice areas our firm covers:
Employment law is essential for ensuring fair treatment in the workplace, protecting workers’ rights, and setting clear standards for employer-employee relationships.
Employment law in California and at the Federal level is governed by a combination of statutes, regulations, and case law. Below are the key laws that cover various aspects of employment law in both California and federally.
1. California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, and other characteristics.
2. California Labor Code
A broad range of employment issues, including wages, hours, working conditions, and employee rights.
3. California Family Rights Act (CFRA)
Similar to the federal FMLA, it provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for family and medical reasons.
4. California Occupational Safety and Health Act (Cal/OSHA)
Ensures workplace safety and health standards within California.
5. California Equal Pay Act
Prohibits wage discrimination based on sex, race, or ethnicity, and is more stringent than the federal Equal Pay Act.
6. California Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA)
Allows employees to sue employers for labor code violations on behalf of themselves and other employees.
7. Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act
Requires employers to provide paid sick leave to employees.
8. California Whistleblower Protection Act
Protects employees from retaliation for reporting violations of state or federal laws.
9. California Workers’ Compensation Laws
Provides compensation to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses.
10. California WARN Act
Requires employers to give 60 days’ notice before mass layoffs, similar to the federal WARN Act but with additional protections.
1. Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
This Act covers minimum wage, overtime pay, child labor, and recordkeeping.
2. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
This Act prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin.
Administered by: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
3. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
This Act prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities and requires reasonable accommodations.
4. Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
This Act prohibits discrimination against employees 40 years of age and older.
Administered by: EEOC.
5. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
This Act provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for specified family and medical reasons.
Administered by: DOL.
6. Equal Pay Act (EPA)
This Act prohibits wage discrimination based on sex.
Administered by: EEOC.
7. Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
This Act ensures workplace safety and health standards.
Administered by: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
8. Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)
This Act regulates employer-sponsored retirement and health benefit plans.
9. National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)
This Act protects the rights of employees to organize, join unions, and engage in collective bargaining.
These laws, collectively, create a comprehensive legal framework governing employment in California and at the Federal level.