At Huprich Law Firm, we are committed to empowering clients and prospective clients with the knowledge and resources needed to understand the law and how lawsuits work. Note: the content provided on this page is intended for general information purposes only and not intended as legal advice. Each case is different and only an attorney can provide legal advice regarding your specific case.
CA Labor & Employment Laws: Links to various California labor and employment law-related websites.
Legal Guides and FAQs: Guides and frequently asked questions (FAQs) that provide answers to common legal questions and offer guidance on navigating legal processes.
- Workplace Retaliation This guide outlines specific rules regarding retaliation in the workplace.
- What is the difference between an employee and an independent contractor under California law? This guide highlights the distinctions between hiring an individual as an independent contractor versus an employee.
- What are the record-keeping obligations for employers under California wage and hour laws? This guide covers key obligations related to timekeeping and employee pay stubs under California law.
- What are the reporting procedures for discrimination and harassment? This guide covers the filing process for discrimination and harassment complaints with the Civil Rights Department.
Links to Government Websites: Direct links to government agencies and official websites where visitors can access laws, regulations, court rulings, and other legal resources.
Legal Aid and Pro Bono Services: Information about local legal aid organizations, pro bono services, and resources available for individuals who may need legal assistance but cannot afford private legal representation.
Legal Glossary: A glossary of legal terms and definitions to help visitors understand legal terminology commonly used in legal documents and discussions.
- At-Will Employment: A fundamental principle of employment law in California, where employers can terminate employees for any reason or no reason at all, provided it is not discriminatory or in violation of public policy.
- Discrimination: Unfair treatment of an individual based on their protected characteristics, such as race, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or genetic information.
- Employee: Any person, association, organization, partnership, business trust, limited liability company, or corporation who directly or indirectly, or through an agent or any other person, employs or exercises control over the wages, hours, or working conditions of any person.
- Employee Classification: The process of categorizing workers as either employees or independent contractors based on various factors, including control over work, method of payment, and relationship to the employer.
- Exempt Employee: Some types of salaried employees are considered exempt from certain California minimum wage and overtime requirements.
- Fair Employment Practices: Policies and practices designed to promote equal employment opportunities and prevent discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
- Harassment: Unwelcome conduct based on protected characteristics, such as race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation, that creates a hostile work environment or interferes with an individual’s work performance.
- Independent Contractor: Employers sometimes misclassify workers as “independent contractors” rather than “employees.” Incorrect classification can affect workers’ rights under the law.
- Minimum Shift: Under California labor law, employees who work regular 8-hour shifts must be paid for a minimum of four hours if they are sent home early or have to check in every day to see if they are scheduled.
- Minimum Wage: The lowest hourly wage rate that employers must pay their employees as mandated by federal, state, or local laws. In California, the minimum wage is higher than the federal minimum wage and varies based on the size of the employer and other factors.
- Minimum Wage Law: The minimum wage in California for 2023 is $15.50 per hour. All non-exempt employees are entitled to at least this amount for every hour worked.
- Overtime Law: Non-exempt employees in California are entitled to 1.5x their regular pay for hours worked beyond 8 per day (or 40 per week) and 2x their regular rate for hours worked beyond 12 per day.
- Overtime Pay: Additional compensation provided to non-exempt employees for hours worked beyond a standard workweek or workday, typically at a rate of one and a half times their regular hourly rate.
- Protected Characteristics: Personal attributes or characteristics, such as race, gender, age, disability, religion, and national origin, that are protected from discrimination under federal and state laws.
- Retaliation: Adverse actions taken by an employer against an employee for engaging in protected activities, such as reporting discrimination or harassment, filing a complaint with regulatory agencies, or participating in an investigation.
- Vacation Pay Law: If an employer provides vacation pay benefits (also known as paid-time-off), California labor law ensures that those vacation days never expire and can be cashed out if an employee leaves or gets fired.
- Workplace Safety: Measures and practices designed to protect employees from hazards and ensure a safe and healthy work environment, including compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and industry standards.
- Wrongful Termination: The unlawful termination of an employee in violation of federal or state laws, typically involving discrimination, retaliation, or breach of employment contract.
