Navigating the complexities of employment can feel overwhelming, especially when unsure of your rights. As an LA worker, understanding your legal protections is crucial to ensuring fair treatment and a safe work environment. This post delves into 7 essential employment laws every LA Business Law worker should know, empowering you to navigate your workplace with confidence.
Get Paid Your Worth
Los Angeles boasts a $16.04 minimum wage as of July 1, 2023, exceeding the federal minimum. If you work more than 40 hours a week or 8 hours in a single day, you’re entitled to overtime pay – 1.5 times your regular hourly rate. Remember, these are just the baselines; some cities within LA may have higher minimum wage requirements.
Know Your Protected Class: Discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or pregnancy is illegal in California. This includes unfair treatment in hiring, promotions, pay, and termination. If you experience discrimination, it’s crucial to document the incident and seek legal guidance.Business Law LA
Types of Discrimination:
Disparate treatment: When someone is treated differently due to their protected class compared to others doing similar work.
Disparate impact: When a seemingly neutral policy disproportionately disadvantages a protected class.Business Law LA
Hostile work environment: When conduct based on protected class creates an offensive or intimidating work environment.
Unwelcome conduct based on a protected class that creates a hostile work environment is also illegal. This includes offensive comments, jokes, physical touching, and even threats. Don’t suffer in silence; report instances of harassment to your supervisor, Human Resources, or a relevant agency.
Take Time When Needed: The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows eligible employees to take unpaid leave for serious medical conditions, child care, or to care for a family member. California also offers paid family leave through the State Disability Insurance (SDI) program. Understanding your leave options empowers you to handle personal situations without jeopardizing your job.
Earned Time Off to Breathe: Los Angeles mandates employers to provide paid sick leave, allowing workers to accrue time for illness, injury, or preventive care. As of July 1, 2023, employees accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 32 hours worked. Track your accrued hours and utilize them whenever needed.
Your Well-being Matters: Employers have a legal responsibility to provide a safe work environment. This includes proper training, safety equipment, and procedures to address potential hazards. If you encounter unsafe conditions, notify your supervisor and file a complaint with the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA).
Whistleblower Protection: If you witness illegal activity at work, California and federal laws protect you from retaliation for reporting it. This includes discrimination, unsafe working conditions, or fraud. Utilize internal reporting mechanisms or reach out to relevant authorities without fear of repercussion.
Remember, knowing your rights is just the first step. If you face any workplace issue, seeking legal advice is crucial to protecting your interests and navigating complex legal proceedings. Pilavjian Law, APC, is committed to empowering LA workers with knowledge and legal support. Contact us today to discuss your specific situation and how we can help you achieve a fair outcome.