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 […]
California Mental Health Accommodations in the Workplace
Individuals from all backgrounds and experiences should be able to fully participate in all aspects of society, including employment. Many state and federal laws uphold this principle. And when it comes to individuals with disabilities, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) were enacted to help ensure […]
COVID-19 and Employment Law Developments
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major changes in our lives and workplaces. And with those changes have come new regulations. Cities, counties, states, and the federal government have put out new rules and guidelines that govern how workers and employers interact. But, given the frequent updates and number of regulations, it can be overwhelming to […]
Meal Period Length Threatens Employee Wellbeing
The California supreme court recently decided on two important wage and hour issues in Donohue v AMN Services, LLC. First, the court decided on whether rounding time punches for meal periods is permissible under California law. Secondly, the court decided on whether a rebuttable presumption of meal period violations arises at summary judgement if time […]
The Next COVID-19 Employment Litigation Hotbeds
Soon, the lawsuits that have made up the bulk of coronavirus-related litigation thus far — primarily concerning safety and wrongful termination — will give way to wage, discrimination and other related claims. While the suits filed so far reflect workers’ main concerns in the early days of the pandemic, as more businesses and courts open […]
Undocumented Farmworkers in the Time of COVID-19
As Americans shelter in place, washing hands and staying six feet away from each other, farmworkers carpool to get groceries then retreat to cramped, crowded quarters, sleeping several to a room. They are not coronavirus deniers: The pandemic terrifies them. They simply have no choice; are compelled to work yet feel disposable. Two-thirds of the […]
Know Your Rights: COVID-19 FAQs For Employees
During these challenging and unparalleled times we have compiled a set of resources to support you. In an effort to keep you well informed, this page will be updated regularly throughout this global crisis. Can my employer fire me if I get coronavirus? Your employer cannot fire you if you test positive for COVID-19. Negative […]
Ralphs/Food 4 Less Sued After Massive Outbreak Sickens 100+ Employees at Compton Warehouse
Ephraim vs. Ralphs Complaint FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Treating their essential workers as disposable, and forcing them to choose between a paycheck and a pandemic, Ralphs and Food 4 Less ignored the most basic safety precautions, leading to over one hundred employees at their Compton, California warehouse contracting COVID-19 according to a group of workers. The […]
Complying with Employee Safety Requirements in California During the COVID-19 Crisis
All across the United States in this time of the COVID-19 crisis, employees continuing to work in their places of employment are dealing with the challenging circumstances of working during a pandemic while trying to ensure their health and safety are protected. From nurses at UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica and Kaiser in the […]