Riverside Employment Lawyer

Sexual Harassment

Riverside is historically known for its citrus industry, specifically the navel orange. This industry built a major agricultural economy in the area. The city also has strong ties to arts, culture, and tourism.

Unfortunately, with this economic growth comes workplace violations and harassment. It’s important to understand what harassment looks like and what your rights are under state law.

An overwhelming number of women filed employee complaints with the California Civil Rights Department in 2023, a total of 3,238 cases filed compared to the 2,267 cases filed by men.

However, anyone can experience workplace harassment and deserves to feel safe at their job. There are two main types of sexual harassment in the workplace:

1. Quid pro quo. This happens when a job benefit like a promotion is offered in exchange for sexual favors. In 2024, 58% of California workers who experienced one or more workplace violations and made a complaint listed a supervisor’s name in their complaint.
2. Hostile work environment. This happens when unwelcome behavior based on sex makes the workplace intimidating, offensive, or interferes with job performance. Harassment must be severe to be unlawful, but a single serious act can be enough to open a case.

Retaliating against someone who rejects advances or complains about harassment is also illegal. Employees or job applicants who experience harassment can file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) within three years.

It’s vital to hire an employment lawyer so you don’t have to go through this difficult time by yourself. We regularly represent clients at the Riverside Historic Courthouse, located at 4050 Main Street.

FAQs

What Are the Employer’s Responsibilities to Prevent Sexual Harassment at Work?

California employers of any size are responsible for preventing sexual harassment. All employers must distribute information about harassment, post required notices, create a written policy that lists protected groups and explains complaint procedures, ensure investigations are fair and timely, prevent retaliation, translate policies if needed, and provide sexual harassment training. Employees must receive at least one hour of sexual harassment training within six months of hire and every two years after.

What Is the Fair Employment and Housing Act?

The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) is a California law that protects people from harassment or discrimination at work and in housing. In employment, FEHA protects employees and job applicants from unfair treatment based on age (40+), ancestry, color, creed, mental and physical disabilities, marital status, medical conditions, national origin, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation. California’s definition of disability is broader than the national definition and includes protections that go beyond federal law.

What Are California’s Meal Break Laws?

In California, employees are entitled to meal breaks during their workday. If an employee works more than five hours in a day, they must be given a 30-minute meal break. However, if the total workday is six hours or less, the employee can agree to skip the break. Employees who work more than 10 hours must receive a second 30-minute meal break, unless the total hours are 12 or less and the first meal break was not waived.

What Is California’s Minimum Wage?

California sets a minimum wage that all employers must pay. For employers with 26 or more employees, the minimum wage increased to $15 per hour in 2022. Employers with 25 or fewer employees reached $15 per hour in 2023. The minimum wage is adjusted each year based on inflation. California law says that even if an employee agrees to work for less, they must still be paid at least the legal minimum wage and the proper overtime rate.

Experienced Employment Lawyers in Riverside, California

Nosrati Law, doesn’t take on cases because of the payout. A workplace violation can happen to anyone at any time, in any type of profession. When these violations go unchecked, it means that the future of American workers is at risk.

We’re here to help hold employers accountable so you can focus on your wellbeing. Contact our skilled teamtoday to understand how we can help support you during this difficult time.