California’s WARN Act: Protecting Your Rights in Plant Closures and Mass Layoffs
Layoffs and plant closures can bring immense stress and uncertainty in their wake, leaving California workers worried about their financial stability and future. For many, the lack of warning can be overwhelming, as it often entails a sudden loss of income and significant life changes. Matern Law Group, a leading plaintiff-side employment law firm, […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Apoyando a los Veteranos en el Lugar de Trabajo
A medida que los veteranos transitan la transición del servicio militar al empleo civil, pueden enfrentar desafíos únicos que requieren defensa legal. El panorama laboral para los veteranos ha evolucionado significativamente a lo largo de los años. Existen leyes federales y estatales, como la Ley de Derechos de Empleo y Reempleo de los Servicios Uniformados […]
Supporting Veterans in the Workplace
As veterans navigate the transition from military service to civilian employment, they may face unique challenges that require legal advocacy. The employment landscape for veterans has evolved significantly over the years. Federal and State laws, such as the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and the California Military and Veterans Code, are in […]
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 […]
