Captive Audience Meetings Banned By New California Law
As of January 1, 2025, California employers are restricted by SB 399, the California Worker Freedom from Employer Intimidation Act, from communicating certain company opinions to its workforce. Specifically, this legislation bans captive audience meetings, which have historically been used to communicate employer opinions about unionization and other political topics. Employers must now navigate these […]
California Employment Law Updates for 2025: What You Need to Know
As we enter 2025, California continues to lead the nation in workplace protections with critical updates to its employment laws. Staying informed is essential for both employees and employers navigating this evolving legal landscape. At Matern Law Group, we’re committed to helping employees understand their rights and taking action when those rights are violated. Below, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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
Matern Law Group is dedicated to securing justice for California employees who have faced unfair treatment in the workplace. Our experienced Los Angeles employment lawyers aggressively fight for victims of discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, wage theft, and other illegal employer practices. We take pride in representing plaintiffs in a broad range of employment law cases, […]
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
First, it is essential to understand how independent contractors are defined under California independent contractor law. In general, an independent contractor is hired to perform a specific task or service for a client but is not considered an employee of that client. Independent contractors are typically responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and other expenses […]
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 […]
