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Browse our 3 legal questions about Employment Rights in United States and the lawyer answers, or ask your own questions for free.
The United States has a comprehensive set of laws to protect the rights of both employers and employees. While many federal laws like the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Civil Rights Act exist, local laws in Los Angeles also provide added layers of protection. Employment rights law in Los Angeles covers a broad range of areas including minimum wage, overtime pay, discrimination, harassment, employee privacy, and job security, among others.
Legal counsel is invaluable for a variety of common situations pertaining to employment rights. These may include wrongful termination, discrimination at workplace, wage disputes, or retaliation claims. An experienced lawyer can help you understand your rights, develop a strong case, negotiate fair settlements, and, if necessary, represent you in court. It's particularly important to hire a lawyer if your case is complex or if the potential damages you might be awarded are high.
In Los Angeles, local ordinances may mandate higher minimum wages than statewide laws. Some specified employees are also entitled to paid sick leave beyond the state requirement. In addition, the city has a Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring (Ban the Box) Ordinance in place, designed to give those with criminal histories a fair chance at securing employment. Moreover, laws including the California Family Rights Act and Pregnancy Disability Leave Law provide additional protections for pregnant employees and new parents.
California is an at-will employment state which means an employer can terminate you without cause. However, local laws protect employees from dismissals that are discriminatory, in violation of a contract, or retaliation to an employee exercising their rights.
In Los Angeles, the overtime law applicable is the California labor law, which requires employers to pay employees overtime if they work over 8 hours in one day or 40 hours in one week. Certain exemptions do apply.
Employees in Los Angeles are protected against discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, disability, and more by local and federal laws including the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you face workplace discrimination, you have the right to file a complaint.
If there are issues with your employer, you can file a complaint with the appropriate local, state, or federal agency. An employment rights lawyer can guide you through this process.
Yes, under certain circumstances. Employment laws in Los Angeles, such as the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), allow employees to take unpaid leave for medical or family reasons without losing their jobs.
The Los Angeles Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) and the California Department of Industrial Relations are two important resources for understanding employment rights and filing complaints. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) at the federal level is another vital resource.
If you face an issue related to employment rights, consider consulting with a lawyer who specializes in the field. A legal professional will be able to provide tailored advice based on your specific situation and guide your way forward through the legal process.
