Blog

Arbitration Agreements – Can Your Employer Make You Waive Your Rights?

Posted in Class Action,Firm News,Wage & Hour Laws on August 16, 2018

Arbitration Agreements Are Generally Enforceable An issue that sometimes comes up at work is an arbitration agreement.   What happens when an employer requires employees to sign an arbitration agreement? In general, if an arbitration agreement meets certain legal requirements, employers can require them and they can be enforceable. In those cases, any claim that… read more

Are Your Unpaid Wages Too Trivial? Maybe Not

Posted in Class Action,Firm News,Wage & Hour Laws on August 3, 2018

California Supreme Court Decision – Troester v. Starbucks The term “de minimis” is a legal concept. It basically means that the legal system does not deal with “trifles”, or trivial things.  That’s what Starbucks argued when a former Starbucks employee, Douglas Troester, brought a class action lawsuit for a few minutes of unpaid “off the… read more

Everything You Need to Know About California’s Overtime Laws

Posted in Discrimination,Retaliation,Wage & Hour Laws on June 18, 2018

Overtime laws exist to provide due compensation to employees who work additional hours beyond the expected work day and work week. California law prohibits employers from requiring employees to work more than eight hours a workday and more than forty hours in a work week without compensation. Employees may not waive this right, and employers… read more

What to Expect When Settling a Wrongful Termination Suit

Posted in Wrongful Termination on June 18, 2018

Wrongful termination cases arise whenever an employer fires an employee in violation of the law or an employment agreement. The resulting lack of a job can bring on loss of income, loss of benefits, and emotional distress depending on the conditions of the firing. In California, several options for wrongful termination suits exist: Contract claims… read more

California’s New Employment Laws You Need To Know

Posted in Employment Law on May 1, 2018

California employment laws change frequently. Since they are dynamic and continually evolving, staying up-to-date is the best way to understand your rights and responsibilities. Several new California laws might affect the way you work and obtain compensation for on-the-job injuries. We’ve outlined several you need to know about, as well as how they may impact… read more

What Are Your Rights During A Probationary Period At A New Job?

Posted in Employment Law on October 12, 2017

When starting a new job, many workers are told they are in a probationary or introductory period. These periods vary in length but often last between 30 or 90 days. As you train into your job, the period can provide an opportunity for both you and your employer to see whether the job is a… read more

Will it Become Easier for Employees to Prove FMLA Retaliation?

Posted in FMLA,Retaliation on October 6, 2017

Employers already face significant difficulties when FMLA leave-related disputes arise. A recent court ruling only increases the challenges companies deal with when disciplining or terminating an employee who is on or just completed FMLA leave. Cassandra Woods was an employee of START Treatment & Recovery Centers. Issues related and not related to work affected her… read more

HR group argues federal exempt overtime threshold should rise

Posted in Firm News,Wage & Hour Laws on October 4, 2017

A federal judge recently scuttled plans to raise the salary level that helps determine whether employees are entitled to overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Workers who are subject to the federal FLSA are generally entitled to overtime pay unless they meet a specific exemption from the law. The salary level is part of… read more

Is sexual orientation discrimination equal to sex discrimination?

Posted in Firm News,Workplace Discrimination on September 29, 2017

The Supreme Court’s ruling legalizing same-sex marriage represented a milestone for the LGBT community. Their long, hard-fought battle to be placed on legal footing with opposite-sex marriage culminated in a key victory. However, another fight continues. The hallmark achievement two years ago now serves as a prelude to ending discrimination in another setting. The Workplace… read more

Three tips for pregnant employees

Posted in Firm News,Workplace Discrimination on September 23, 2017

Getting a job in today’s marketplace may be easier compared to past years. But if you are a pregnant woman, the road to a job may still be as difficult as when the last depression killed jobs. This is because not every employer understands (or follows) the rules governing pregnant workers and may discriminate against… read more