Navigating “Stay or Pay” Clauses
The use of “stay or pay” clauses in employment agreements is on the rise for many different jobs and industries, but these clauses are now facing heightened scrutiny because of their negative impact and unique harms on employees. What Are “Stay or Pay” Clauses? Stay or pay clauses occur when an employment agreement specifies that […]
New Cannabis Testing Laws for California Employees
As of January 1, 2024, two new California laws, Assembly Bill 2188 (AB 2188)[1] and Senate Bill 700 (SB 700)[2], have significantly shifted the landscape of cannabis testing for employees. Here’s what you need to know. Protection from Off-the-Clock Cannabis Use: No Discrimination Based on Non-Psychoactive Metabolites: Employers are prohibited from discriminating against you based […]
Taking Care of Yourself, Taking Care of California: Understanding the New Paid Sick Leave Laws
As of January 1, 2024, California ushered in a new era of employee well-being with the expansion of the Healthy Workplaces Healthy Families Act (HWHFA). This landmark legislation significantly increases the amount of paid sick leave available to workers across the state, paving the way for a healthier and more equitable workforce. Previously, the HWHFA […]
Protecting Employees’ Right to Privacy at Work
Employee privacy rights in California are governed by a combination of state and federal laws. In California, the right to privacy is considered a fundamental right, and the California Constitution provides explicit privacy protections. What laws protect employee privacy? The California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA) criminalizes various forms of invasion of privacy, including eavesdropping […]
Comprensión del Pago de Horas Extras: Sus Derechos Según la Ley Laboral de California
En California, las leyes laborales protegen a los empleados de la explotación y garantizan que reciban una compensación justa por su dedicación. Un aspecto clave de estas regulaciones es el pago de horas extras, estipulado en el Código Laboral de California. Conceptos básicos de horas extras: Según la ley de California, cualquier trabajo realizado más […]
Understanding Overtime Pay: Your Rights Under California Employment Law
In California, labor laws protect employees from exploitation and ensure they receive just compensation for their dedication. One key aspect of these regulations is overtime pay, stipulated under the California Labor Code. Overtime Basics: According to California law, any work performed over 8 hours in one workday, or over 40 hours in one workweek, must […]
Navigating Forever Chemicals and Your Workplace
In today’s ever-evolving legal landscape, California employment law has continually adapted to address new challenges and protect the rights of workers across the state. One such challenge that has garnered significant attention in recent years is the issue of “forever chemicals.” These chemicals, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), may pose serious health risks […]
Rest Breaks for Workers in California
Rest breaks for workers in California: What you need to know In California, employees are entitled to rest breaks and meal breaks under the state’s wage and hour laws. These laws are enforced by the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE).[1] Employees are entitled to one paid 10-minute rest break for every four hours […]
Employment Law Standards in California
At Matern Law Group, we are passionate about fighting for the rights of employees who have been victimized by unfair, discriminatory, or illegal practices in the workplace. We are proud to represent plaintiffs in a wide range of employment law cases, including discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and wage and hour disputes. One of the landmark […]
California Sick Leave Laws
One area of particular concern for many employees and employers is sick leave. Under the California Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014, most employers in the state are required to provide their employees with paid sick leave. This means that employees are entitled to accrue paid sick leave at a rate of one hour […]
The Rights of Independent Contractors in California: What You Need to Know
In California, the laws and regulations governing independent contractors in California are complex and can be difficult to navigate. In this blog post, we will explore the rights of independent contractors in California and how they can be protected under the law. First, it is important to understand how independent contractors are defined in California. […]
The Journey of Small Business Founders: Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Success
Starting a small business is no small feat. It takes a unique blend of passion, determination, and grit to turn an idea into a thriving venture. Small business founders are the driving force behind innovation, job creation, and economic growth. In this blog post, we will explore the journey of small business founders, the challenges […]
Commemorating Women’s Equality Day in California Through the Lens of Employment Laws
As August 26th approaches, we prepare to honor Women’s Equality Day, an occasion that reminds us of the strides made in the fight for gender parity. At Matern Law Group, we champion workplace equality for all under the ambit of California’s robust employment laws. A Historical Milestone for Progress Women’s Equality Day commemorates the passage […]
Protecting Our Future: Combating Child Labor in California
Child labor is a pressing global issue that can infringe upon the rights and well-being of children, jeopardizing their education, health, and future prospects. While significant strides have been made to eradicate exploitative child labor practices, some of these instances continue to persist, even in developed regions such as California. As an employment law firm […]
Understanding Disabilities in the Workplace: The Importance of Inclusion
Inclusion is a key aspect of any organization’s success. Although the concept applies to many areas of business, it is of particular significance when it comes to employing individuals with disabilities. Discrimination against people with disabilities is a long-standing problem in the workforce. To improve diversity and promote equity, employers must create a workplace culture […]
Environmentalism at Work: Why California Employees Should Take Action
The fight for environmentalism is no longer just a battle waged outside of work. As a California employee, you spend more than eight hours of your day in a workplace that could be contributing to the ongoing climate crisis. Therefore, it’s worth considering making changes within your workplace to address the environmental impact that your […]
The True Significance of the 4th of July for Workers
As we prepare for the 4th of July in California, here’s a reminder of what the holiday is all about, the history behind it, and the impacts it has had on workers. Originally known as Independence Day, this holiday is dedicated to commemorating the United States’ independence from Great Britain in 1776. However, most people […]
Celebrating Pride Month: Advancing Workplace Equality for the LGBTQ+ Community
Pride Month is an annual celebration that honors the LGBTQ+ community’s achievements and promotes the ongoing fight for equality. While significant progress has been made over the years, there are still challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in the workplace. Matern Law Group, a leading employment law firm representing plaintiffs in California, stands strong in […]
Celebrating Juneteenth: Honoring Freedom and Promoting Equality in the Workplace
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is an annual commemoration of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It holds immense historical and cultural significance, marking the end of slavery and the ongoing struggle for civil rights. As we celebrate Juneteenth, it is crucial to reflect on its relevance in the context […]
Matern Law Group Celebrates Its 2023 Southern California Rising Stars Honorees
Matern Law Group is proud to work with an unparalleled group of high-caliber attorneys and is thrilled to highlight its fabulous five on the “2023 Rising Stars” list. In a variety of employment and consumer law matters, Matern Law Group has earned a reputation for litigation excellence. The firm has successfully represented employees and consumers […]
Honoring Those Who Serve: Employment Law Protections for Service Members
As Memorial Day approaches, we at Matern Law Group take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have served and continue to serve our country. This holiday is a time to honor those who gave their lives in service, and it is also an opportunity to consider the rights and freedoms […]
Save Mart Supermarkets Class Action Lawsuit
Save Mart Supermarkets is facing a class action lawsuit alleging that it illegally terminated health benefits for retirees and their spouses. The lawsuit alleges that Save Mart breached its fiduciary duty in April 2022 when it decided to stop paying $500 monthly health reimbursements to the retirees and their spouses, despite having previously represented the […]
Equal Pay Day & The Equal Pay Act
Equal Pay Day Equal Pay Day is an annual event that highlights the ongoing wage gap between men and women. It is observed in the United States and other countries around the world on different dates each year, depending on how long it takes women to earn the same amount of money that men earned […]
Celebrating Harriet Tubman’s legacy
At Matern Law Group, we are proud to celebrate Harriet Tubman Day, which is observed annually on March 10th to honor the life and legacy of one of America’s most revered civil rights icons. Harriet Tubman was a remarkable woman who risked her life to help hundreds of enslaved people escape to freedom through the […]
