Best Employment & Labor Lawyers in Glendale

About Employment & Labor Law in Glendale, United States

Employment and labor law in Glendale, United States, refers to the set of state and federal regulations that govern the relationship between employers and employees. This includes topics like workplace rights, wages, discrimination, harassment, workplace safety, and more. Glendale follows both California state laws and federal employment regulations, which collectively offer some of the broadest protections for employees nationwide. Navigating these laws can be complex for both employers and employees, making it important to understand your rights and obligations in the workplace.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are various situations where seeking legal counsel in employment and labor matters becomes essential. Whether you are an employee facing workplace issues or an employer trying to comply with regulations, a lawyer's expertise can be vital. Common reasons people seek legal help include:

• Wrongful termination or unfair dismissal
• Discrimination based on race, gender, disability, age, or other protected categories
• Sexual harassment or hostile work environment claims
• Wage and hour disputes, such as unpaid overtime or minimum wage violations
• Workplace safety concerns and retaliation claims
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) violations
• Employment contract reviews and negotiations
• Retaliation for whistleblowing or reporting illegal activity
• Issues regarding meal and rest breaks
• Matters related to employer compliance with labor laws and regulations

A qualified employment lawyer can help you understand your options, protect your rights, and represent you in negotiations or court if necessary.

Local Laws Overview

Glendale, United States, is subject to both federal employment laws and California state laws, many of which provide greater protections than federal standards. Key aspects of employment and labor law in Glendale include:

• Minimum Wage: Glendale adheres to the California state minimum wage, which is often higher than the federal minimum. Employers must keep up to date with these rates, as they can change annually.
• Anti-Discrimination Protections: California law adds several protected categories beyond federal law. Employers cannot discriminate based on sex, race, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, and more.
• Meal and Rest Breaks: California has strict laws about employees' rights to take meal and rest breaks during work shifts. Employers must provide compliant break periods or compensate employees accordingly.
• Wage and Hour Laws: Employees are entitled to overtime for hours worked over eight per day or 40 per week. California also restricts the use of unpaid internships and classifies workers as employees or independent contractors under the ABC test.
• Family Leave: In addition to FMLA, California has its own family and medical leave laws, which may cover more employees and offer broader benefits.
• Harassment Prevention Training: Most Glendale employers are required by California law to provide sexual harassment prevention training to employees and supervisors.
• Wrongful Termination: While almost all employment in California is "at-will," employers cannot terminate employees for unlawful reasons, such as retaliation or discrimination.
• Workers' Compensation: Employees injured on the job are protected by California's workers' compensation system, which provides benefits for medical care and lost wages.

Staying informed about these and other local labor standards is crucial for both employees and employers operating in Glendale.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage in Glendale?

Glendale follows the California state minimum wage, which as of 2024 is 16 dollars per hour for employers with 26 or more employees and 15 dollars per hour for those with 25 or fewer. Minimum wage rates may adjust annually, so it is important to check for current rates.

Am I entitled to overtime pay?

Yes, California law requires non-exempt employees to receive overtime pay for hours worked over eight in a day or 40 in a week. Overtime is typically paid at one and a half times your regular hourly rate.

Can my employer fire me without a reason?

Employment is generally "at-will" in California, meaning an employer can terminate you without cause. However, it is illegal to fire someone for discriminatory reasons, retaliation, or violations of state or federal law.

What should I do if I experience workplace harassment?

If you experience harassment, document the incidents, report the harassment to your employer or HR department, and consider contacting a qualified employment attorney if the situation is not resolved or if you fear retaliation.

Are meal and rest breaks required in Glendale?

Yes, California law requires employers to provide regular meal and rest breaks for employees. Generally, you are entitled to a 30-minute meal break for every five hours worked and a paid 10-minute rest break for every four hours worked.

What protections do I have against discrimination?

State and federal laws prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other categories. California offers some of the strongest protections in the country.

How are independent contractors classified in Glendale?

California uses the ABC test to determine if a worker is an employee or an independent contractor. If you are misclassified, you may be entitled to benefits or back pay.

Can I take family or medical leave from work?

Under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and California's state leave laws, qualifying employees can take unpaid, job-protected leave for family and medical reasons. State laws may provide broader coverage than federal law.

What can I do if I am not paid properly?

If you are not paid the wages due, you can file a wage claim with the California Labor Commissioner or consult an employment lawyer to explore your legal options.

Do I need a lawyer to resolve workplace disputes?

While some disputes can be resolved internally, complex situations or those involving legal violations often require the expertise of an employment lawyer to protect your rights and ensure compliance with the law.

Additional Resources

If you need more information or assistance regarding employment and labor issues in Glendale, consider these resources:

• California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) - Provides guidance on labor standards, wage claims, and worker rights
• California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) - Handles discrimination, harassment, and retaliation complaints
• United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) - Offers information and complaint processes for federal anti-discrimination laws
• Local Glendale city government and human resources office
• Legal aid clinics and bar associations serving the Glendale area
• National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) - Handles collective bargaining and union-related issues

Next Steps

If you believe your workplace rights have been violated or you need legal guidance regarding employment or labor matters in Glendale, here are the steps you can take:

• Document all relevant information, such as pay records, communications, or incidents.
• Report the issue to your employer or human resources department when appropriate.
• Consult with an experienced employment and labor lawyer who is familiar with Glendale and California law.
• Consider filing a complaint with the relevant agency if internal resolutions fail, such as the DFEH, DIR, or EEOC.
• Make sure you act promptly, as legal claims are subject to deadlines known as statutes of limitations.

Seeking professional legal advice is often the best way to protect your rights and achieve a satisfactory resolution to employment and labor issues.