California has some of the nation’s most protective and complex employment laws. Navigating this legal patchwork requires an experienced employment law attorney.
At TONG LAW, our lawyers have experience representing California employees with their employment law claims.
Whether you are facing discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, unpaid wage issues, breach of employment agreement, or other employment law matters, we have the knowledge to protect your rights and pursue the maximum recovery.
If you feel you have a claim, it’s time to talk to a lawyer.
What To Know About Employment Laws and Protections in California
While federal laws like Title VII and the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibit discrimination, California law provides additional protections and rights.
Some of the most important employment laws in California include:
Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
This expansive law prohibits discrimination and harassment in employment based on protected characteristics like race, religion, gender, and sexual orientation. FEHA also makes it illegal to retaliate against employees who report discriminatory treatment. The law covers hiring, promotions, terminations, and all other aspects of the employment relationship.
California Family Rights Act (CFRA)
Alongside the federal Family Medical Leave Act, the CFRA allows eligible employees to take job-protected leave for family care, bonding with a new child, and the employee’s own health conditions. It provides 12 weeks of unpaid leave while maintaining health insurance coverage.
Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act
This law requires all employers to provide paid sick leave benefits. Employees accrue at least 1 hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked. Accrued paid sick leave can be used for personal health needs or to care for family members.
California Equal Pay Act
This prohibits employers from paying workers less than those of another gender for “substantially similar work.” It also forbids using prior salary alone to justify pay disparities between genders.
California Labor Code
The expansive California Labor Code establishes standards for wages, breaks, overtime, expense reimbursements, worker safety, and numerous other employment matters. Sections like Labor Code Section 226 outline requirements for wage statements furnished to employees.
Understanding how these key laws intersect and overlap is crucial to comprehend your rights as a California employee. An experienced employment attorney can explain how the laws apply and which protections cover your situation.
Types of Claims Handled by California Employment Lawyers
At TONG LAW, we routinely represent California employees for the following types of employment law disputes:
Wrongful Termination
California law prohibits firing employees for discriminatory reasons or in retaliation for whistleblowing. Even “at-will” employees are prohibited from being terminated by the employer for an unlawful reason such as due to discrimination based on a protected status, retaliation, or for reasons that violate public policy, such as taking permitted leave or reporting unlawful activity at work.
Workplace Discrimination & Harassment
There are many different facets of workplace discrimination and harassment.
At least 46% of LGBTQ+ workers have experienced unfair treatment at work at some point in their careers.
In a UCLA survey, 70% of Latino and Asian immigrants perceive racial discrimination in the workplace.
Sexual harassment remains a major problem affecting up to 40% of women.
California law also prohibits harassment based on protected characteristics like race, nationality, sex, gender, disability, marital status, religion, pregnancy, associational, and cannabis usage, At
TONG LAW, we’ve helped countless employees get justice for workplace harassment.
Overtime & Wage Violations
We commonly see wage theft in the form of denied overtime pay, meal and rest break violations, and improper expense reimbursements. California wage and hour laws are among the nation’s strictest, and employers can be liable for substantial back pay, damages, and penalties.
Family & Medical Leave Interference
When employees entitled to CFRA/FMLA leave suffer retaliation, demotion, or termination, it warrants an employment attorney’s immediate attention. We help clients fight FMLA interference and recover lost income.
Breach of Employment Contract
Employment contracts establish legally enforceable rights. When binding promises related to pay, benefits, equity, or other compensation are broken, we can pursue breach of contract claims on our client’s behalf.
Our experienced employment litigation team has the knowledge and resources to thoroughly investigate your claim and build a compelling case on your behalf. We fight to obtain the maximum recovery, whether through aggressive pre-trial advocacy or taking your case to trial.
Choosing the Right California Employment Attorney for You
With so much at stake, it is critical to retain a California employment attorney with relevant experience and a proven record of success.
Here are important factors to consider when choosing a California employment attorney:
- Specifically, look for lawyers who routinely handle California employment law cases. Outcomes often hinge on mastering the nuances of California labor statutes and case law.
- Opt for an employment law firm or attorney with abundant experience handling claims like yours. For instance, a lawyer who has tried dozens of wage and hour class actions is a better fit than one whose focus is on harassment.
- Review the lawyer’s background and track record of recoveries obtained for past clients. More successful outcomes suggest stronger litigation skills.
- Schedule an initial consultation. This gives you an opportunity to assess the lawyer’s knowledge and communication style before committing to legal representation.
Here at TONG LAW, we are confident we have the skills and experience to effectively advocate for your rights as an employee. For a case review, contact our office today to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
Take the Next Step With California Employment Lawyers Who Fight for You
Dealing with employment law disputes can feel daunting. But you don’t have to handle it alone. The team of dedicated professionals at TONG LAW has the experience, resources, and determination to advocate for your rights.
We are firmly committed to empowering everyday employees and helping you get justice. Our extensive background handling claims just like yours means we know what legal strategies work.
At TONG LAW, you are more than just another case number. Contact our compassionate and strategic employment law attorneys today for a consultation. We are ready to answer your questions, discuss legal options, and start helping you pursue fair compensation.
