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Posted on February 16, 2025 | By Omid Nosrati | Employment Law
It is important for employees to understand the laws that affect the workplace. If you feel you are being treated unfairly at work, you may wonder, “What are my rights as an employee in Torrance?” California labor laws are meant to protect workers from discriminatory treatment. Knowing your rights as an employee in Torrance can help you enter the workplace with confidence.
In the U.S., states have their own minimum wage amounts. Minimum wage refers to the minimum amount a company is legally required to pay you. California is no different. These amounts change over time, and each state has a different minimum wage amount. The number can change based on evolving factors such as inflation, the number of employees, and the cost of living.
In addition, non-exempt employees must receive overtime pay for any hours worked over the standard amount. This means that any employee who works more than eight hours in a day or more than 40 hours a week must be paid time and a half for the overage.
Employers in Torrance are also required to provide rest and meal breaks. The requirement for the length of these breaks is determined by the amount of hours worked in a given time period.
Employers must not facilitate an unhealthy, hostile, or toxic work environment. This includes subjecting employees to harassment or unfair treatment. Discrimination occurs when someone receives unfair treatment based on being a part of a protected characteristic, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, or disability. If an employee experiences discrimination, employers are required to do what they can to correct the situation.
Employees are entitled to a safe workplace. This means that employers must do what they can to enforce regulations and ensure workplace safety. Where needed, employers should provide safety equipment, training, and prevention techniques for accidents and injuries. If your workplace has unsafe practices, you can file a claim or complaint. Legally, you are protected against retaliation for filing a claim.
If you file a claim or lodge a complaint against your employer for unethical practices, you are legally protected against retaliation. Some actions that may bring retaliation include complaints about unsafe practices or legal claims to report harassment or discrimination.
Retaliation can be further harassment and discrimination, disciplinary action, termination, demotion, or isolation. You may be able to file an additional claim against your employer if they retaliate against you.
If you experience a medical condition, you are entitled to take family and medical leave. Eligible employees are allowed to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off of work without fear of losing their job. When taking this time off, employers must reinstate the employee to the same or similar job as they had before.
Medical reasons covered by family and medical leave include the birth of a child, adoption, your own medical condition, or caring for a close family member through their own serious medical condition. Eligible employees must have worked at least one year and a certain number of hours to qualify.
If you are injured while on the job, you have the right to pursue workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation is insurance through your employer that gives employees financial support while they recover from a job-related illness. In pursuing workers’ compensation, you are not permitted to file a legal claim. Workers’ compensation is in place to protect both the employee and the employer.
Workers’ compensation benefits can cover medical care and temporary disability benefits. While your income during this time may be less than your normal wage, the compensation is meant to assist you in your recovery time. Employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance and inform their employees about their rights.
Unsafe working conditions, pay violations, discrimination, and retaliation are all examples of illegal conditions at work. Employers are required to provide appropriate equipment, adhere to safety requirements, and guarantee a harassment-free workplace. Employers are also prohibited from taking any action against employees who report unlawful activity or hazardous situations. You can file a report if you believe your rights have been infringed.
In California, salaried workers are often categorized as either non-exempt or exempt. In addition to other wage protections, non-exempt salaried workers are entitled to overtime compensation and food and rest breaks. Employers are not allowed to misclassify employees in order to refuse them benefits or pay. Workers may submit a wage claim if they are misclassified.
Workers have four main rights under employment law. These include the right to fair wages, the right to a safe workplace, the right to protection from discrimination and harassment, and the right to report workplace violations without the fear of retaliation. If you feel an employer has violated any of these rights, you should seek professional advice from an employment attorney.
Because California is an at-will employment state, companies are permitted to fire workers for any reason as long as it’s not unlawful, such as retaliation or discrimination. Employees who are fired must get their full compensation right away, including any unused vacation time. You may bring wrongful termination claims if you feel the termination was illegal. Additionally, if you qualify, you can apply for unemployment compensation.
Knowing your rights as a worker is important for your own protection. If you feel these rights have been violated, you can take steps to hold your employer accountable. Nosratilaw, A Professional Law Corporation, can help you understand your rights. Contact us today so we can evaluate your circumstances.
