Category: Firm News

Insurers false report of addiction to employer leads to ADA claim

Posted in Firm News,Workplace Discrimination on April 5, 2017

Many public and private workplaces across the U.S. require drug testing, either as a condition of hiring or upon reasonable suspicion that an employee is using illicit drugs. At the same time, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, known as HIPAA, limits employers’ access to employees’ private medical information to some extent. What actions… read more

Can payroll company be sued for wage and hour violations?

Posted in Firm News,Wage & Hour Laws on March 31, 2017

If a worker in the state of California thinks that he or she has not received all that is owed for work completed, the first party they likely think to go after is their employer. A joint employer may be another potential defendant. But could another party be liable as well? That is the question… read more

Federal Reserve study: With age comes discrimination

Posted in Firm News,Workplace Discrimination on March 30, 2017

The federal government extended considerable protection to older Americans back in 1967 with the enactment of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, landmark legislation that expressly prohibits any form of discrimination against workers age 40 or older. While we would like to believe that the practice of treating applicants or employees any less favorably on… read more

California On Duty Meal Period Laws

Posted in Firm News,Wage & Hour Laws on March 21, 2017

Last week, our blog began discussing how workers here in California must understand that the 30 minutes allocated to them for lunch are much more than just a welcome reprieve from the rigors of the workday, but rather a right under state law. Specifically, we explored how employees must be given a single unpaid 30-minute… read more

A closer look at your rights regarding meal breaks

Posted in Firm News,Wage & Hour Laws on March 16, 2017

Regarding lunchtime, it’s important for most workers here in California to understand that this 30 minutes is more than just an opportunity, it’s their right under state law. Meal periods: The basics The California Labor Code dictates that employees who work more than five hours per day must be given a single 30-minute lunch break or… read more

Will this be the year that lawmakers truly ‘ban-the-box’ across California?

Posted in Firm News,Workplace Discrimination on March 9, 2017

Now that the February 17 deadline for introducing bills has passed in the California State Legislature, both chambers can officially begin the always taxing work of shepherding major reform measures and pet projects alike through committees and onto the floor for a vote. While it goes without saying that issues like immigration, taxes and health… read more

What protection does California law provide to whistleblowers? – II

Posted in Firm News,Retaliation on March 2, 2017

Last week, our blog began discussing how those employees who find themselves in the unenviable position of wanting to report illegal employer conduct, but also fearing potential reprisals must understand that they are protected under state law. Specifically, we discussed how employees of public and private entities who report violations of state or federal law,… read more

What protection does California law provide to whistleblowers?

Posted in Firm News,Retaliation on February 25, 2017

When most employees report for the start of the workday they want nothing more than to spend their shift performing their assigned duties to the best of their abilities, a feat made possible in large part by their employer. Indeed, employee success ultimately hinges on an employer’s willingness to provide the necessary resources, support structure and… read more

Injured Police Recruits Entitled To Reasonable Accommodation Under FEHA

Posted in Firm News,Workplace Discrimination on February 22, 2017

It is well settled that permanent public employees in the state of California are entitled to certain benefits under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act. But what about when an employer discontinues a reasonable accommodation that was offered in the past? A case recently decided by the Court of Appeal provides some guidance on the matter…. read more

What California employees need to know about the ‘one day’s rest in seven’ rule

Posted in Firm News,Wage & Hour Laws on February 10, 2017

There are certain wage-and-hour laws with which almost all California employees are undoubtedly familiar regardless of their occupation or their total annual earnings. For instance, most are probably well aware of the new minimum wage ($10.50 per hour for employees of large businesses and $10.00 per hour for employees of small businesses), and that they… read more