California’s WARN Act: Protecting Your Rights in Plant Closures and Mass Layoffs
Layoffs and plant closures can cause stress and uncertainty for California workers. Matern Law Group, a leading plaintiff-side employment law firm, is here to help you understand your rights under the California Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, also known as the California WARN Act. What is the California WARN Act? The federal WARN (Worker […]
California’s Fair Chance Act: Your Rights and Protections
Don’t let a criminal history prevent you from achieving your career goals. Through the “Fair Chance Act,” California has taken significant strides to provide employment opportunities for individuals with criminal records. This landmark legislation aims to reduce barriers to employment for individuals with conviction histories and promote rehabilitation. Matern Law Group, a leading plaintiff-side employment […]
Retaliation for Reporting Workplace Violations in California: How the Law Protects You
Doing the right thing in the workplace can sometimes come at a cost. In California, however, employees are generally protected from retaliation for doing the right thing, such as reporting violations of the law or company policies. Matern Law Group, a leading plaintiff-side employment law firm, is committed to ensuring a safe and ethical work […]
Matern Law Group Wins Racial Harassment Case in a Victory Against Tesla
In a significant legal victory, the Matern Law Group secured justice for their client, Shaka Green, in a case against Tesla, Inc. This arbitration case not only highlights the rights of employees but also underscores the critical role of effective legal representation in upholding these rights. Background of the Tesla Case Shaka Green, represented by […]
Protecting LGBTQ+ Employees in California: Legal Developments & Challenges
California has long been a leader in LGBTQ+ rights, and this extends to the workplace. Matern Law Group, a champion for California employees, is committed to ensuring a safe and fair work environment for everyone. This blog post will explore the current legal landscape for LGBTQ+ workers in California, highlighting recent developments and ongoing challenges. […]
Court Denies Arbitration in Danny Lopez vs. Aircraft Service International, Inc.
In a recent legal battle, Danny Lopez took on his former employers, Aircraft Service International, Inc., and Menzies Aviation (USA), Inc., over alleged wage and hour violations. The case, initially filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, was moved to federal court by the defendants, who argued that federal law preempted some of Lopez’s claims. […]
Are Website & Software Programs Obligated to Comply with the ADA?
The question of whether private websites and software programs must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) is a complicated one. To summarize the lack of clarity on website accessibility, a person with disabilities who has trouble accessing a website or software program should ask two critical questions to determine if they have an […]
California Employment Law Victory: Matern Law Group Secures $5.5 Million Settlement Against Packaging Industry
Matern Law Group, a leading plaintiff-side employment law firm in California, is proud to announce a major victory for workers. We recently secured a $5.5 million settlement on behalf of all hourly non-exempt employees who were denied proper compensation by their employer, WestRock Company. A federal judge in California has granted final approval for a […]
Fighting Abuse in U.S. Guest Worker Programs
Guest worker programs offer numerous benefits to employers in the United States. However, in the United States federal guest worker programs also harbor significant potential for exploitation and abuse by unscrupulous employers, leading to the mistreatment of foreign laborers. Guest worker programs present distinct risks unique to foreign workers, and the litigation surrounding these programs […]
California’s “Right to Disconnect”: A Clearer Line Between Work and Life
California, a trendsetter in employee rights, is at the forefront again with Assembly Bill (AB) 2751, proposing a “right to disconnect” law for workers. This legislation has the potential to significantly impact how California employees manage their off-the-clock hours. Here at Matern Law Group, we help employees understand their rights and fight for fair treatment. […]
California Supreme Court Weighs In On “Hours Worked” For Construction Workers
In a highly anticipated decision, the California Supreme Court recently provided much-needed guidance on what activities constitute compensable “hours worked” for employees in the construction industry. The case, Huerta v. CSI Electrical Contractors, addresses several common scenarios faced by construction workers and offers a roadmap for employers and employees alike. Vehicular security checks are compensable […]
Empowering Consumers: Why World Consumer Rights Day Matters
Every year on March 15th, the world celebrates World Consumer Rights Day. This day serves as a reminder of the rights and protections consumers deserve in the marketplace. Here at Matern Law Group, we understand the importance of empowered consumers, effective consumer protection laws, and the promotion of fair and ethical business practices. What is […]
Celebrating Transgender Visibility: A Day to Recognize, Support, and Empower
Every March 31st, the world observes Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV). Trans Day of Visibility 2024 serves not only to celebrate the lives and contributions of transgender and non-binary individuals but also to raise awareness of the challenges they face. Here at Matern Law Group, we stand firmly in support of the transgender community and […]
California’s Parental Leave Laws: A Guide for New and Expecting Parents
California boasts some of the most comprehensive parental leave laws in the United States. This guide is designed to provide new and expecting parents with a clear understanding of their rights and available programs. California’s Parental Leave Programs California Family Rights Act (CFRA): Available to employees working for companies with five or more employees, employees […]
Know Your Worth: Understanding Your Rights Under the Equal Pay Act
The fight for equal pay is an ongoing battle, and for many women in the workforce, the wage gap is a persistent reality. At Matern Law Group, we believe in ensuring fair treatment for all employees. The Equal Pay Act (EPA) of 1963 is a crucial piece of legislation that protects workers from unequal pay […]
The Long Shadow of Dred Scott: How a 19th Century Case Still Impacts California Workplaces in 2024
For most Californians, the name Dred Scott evokes a distant historical echo, a relic of a bygone era. However, the impact of the infamous 1857 Supreme Court decision in Dred Scott v. Sandford continues to resonate in many areas, including the workplace. Understanding this connection helps us all work towards justice in the workplace. What […]
Stand Up for Equality: Matern Law Group Joins the Fight Against Discrimination on March 1st
Every year on March 1st, the world stands together for Zero Discrimination Day. This year, as we mark the 10th anniversary of this crucial initiative, Matern Law Group proudly joins the fight against discrimination in all its forms. As a law firm dedicated to representing plaintiffs in California, we see firsthand the devastating impact discrimination […]
California’s New Leave for Reproductive Loss: Navigating SB 848 and Your Rights
On October 10th, 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 848 (SB 848) into law, granting employees statewide access to paid leave following a reproductive loss. The law went into effect on January 1, 2024. This landmark legislation offers crucial support and recognition for individuals experiencing the emotional and physical challenges often associated with […]
Beyond February: Celebrating Black History and Pushing for Progress Every Day
February marks Black History Month, a designated time to recognize the immense contributions of Black Americans to the fabric of our nation. However, at Matern Law Group, we believe honoring Black history requires more than a fleeting moment of reflection. It demands sustained action, ongoing dialogue, and unwavering commitment to building a future where equity […]
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 […]
How a Sexual Assault Lawyer Can Help With Abuse of an Organization Member
Around 50% of women and 30% of men have experienced sexual violence. Unfortunately, around 80% of the time, they know their perpetrator. All too often, that’s someone in a position of power in some organization the survivor is affiliated with. This could be abuse by a coach, church personnel, or even a teacher. In cases […]
What Can a Workplace Discrimination Lawyer Do for You in California?
Being undermined is one of the most disheartening feelings you can experience in the workplace. If such an incident is due to factors beyond your control, like your sex, gender, or nationality, then it even becomes illegal. Are you currently experiencing such a situation and would you like to know what you can do about […]
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 […]