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California Employment Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law for California on
Q: My job laid us off on 11/18 but we worked a full shift that day and didn’t receive a paycheck for that day until 12/6?

We had received notice of an involuntary separation due to position elimination and we were laid off 11/18 and they did pay us for the two weeks we worked prior on 11/18. But they didn’t pay us for the full shift we worked 11/18 until two weeks later. Is that legal or are they subject to... View More

Maya L. Serkova
Maya L. Serkova
answered on Dec 16, 2024

Employees who are discharged must be paid all wages due at the time of termination. A willful failure by the employer to comply with the final paycheck timing law gives the employee the right to receive Waiting Time Penalties equal to one day of pay times the days you are made to wait for the final... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law for California on
Q: When I was 17, I worked at Subway late into the night until 1am. Is that illegal in California?
Neil Pedersen
Neil Pedersen
answered on Dec 9, 2024

Except for certain narrow circumstances, it violated the child labor laws to work a 17 year old until 1 am. However depending on how long ago that happened, and other circumstances, that may not be something you could make a legal issue about and recover damages. You need to locate and consult... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for California on
Q: My employer consistently pays us late and our payroll checks BOUNCE every paycheck. I was just suspended for picking up

…My check on payday. Management was out of town, couldn’t reach anyone so I picked up the checks, we still can’t cash them 4 days later and now I’m suspended for a week because per usual “there was no money in the account”. I have An obvious case right?

Brad S Kane
Brad S Kane
answered on Dec 8, 2024

Since you were subjected to discipline, a suspension, for picking your paycheck on payday, you likely have a claim for illegal retaliation for seeking your timely payment of your wages. Your employer is not allowed to delay payment based upon case flow.

Since your employer is consistently...
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3 Answers | Asked in Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for California on
Q: My employer consistently pays us late and our payroll checks BOUNCE every paycheck. I was just suspended for picking up

…My check on payday. Management was out of town, couldn’t reach anyone so I picked up the checks, we still can’t cash them 4 days later and now I’m suspended for a week because per usual “there was no money in the account”. I have An obvious case right?

Neil Pedersen
Neil Pedersen
answered on Dec 9, 2024

I am going to disagree slightly with my colleagues here. If you did not have permission to take the paychecks and took them anyway, that could well be a terminatable offense. However, you and your co-workers would have meritorious claims for violation of the Labor Code for the many late and NSF... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law for California on
Q: What action does a employer take when a male employee keeps referring to a female as a b*ich?

There is a male employee who is hostile calling me profanity. I filmed it showed to HR. It happened twice. I know it's going to happen again on Monday. I don't know him. I think he might be the same employee from last year who asked me for my number. I said no. I'm worried my... View More

Brad S Kane
Brad S Kane
answered on Dec 7, 2024

Keep informing HR in writing each time it happens.

Sexual harassment has to be either severe or persuasive enough to change the terms and conditions of your employment. A single inappropriate touching likely meets that standard. One or two offense comments may not be enough depending on the...
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3 Answers | Asked in Employment Law for California on
Q: Should my husband accept a bare minimum settlement for meal violation claim with his company?

My husband filed a Meal violation claim and has received a settlement offer. We would like to seek a lawyer before he accepts this settlement offer. He does not want to lose work opportunities due to this settlement. He filed a claim and they had a conference where he was offered a settlement... View More

Neil Pedersen
Neil Pedersen
answered on Dec 5, 2024

it would be reckless for any attorney here to give you the guidance you seek. This is the kind of question that can only be answered by an employment law attorney who can be allowed to understand the entire situation. You are going to need to seek out a specific, confidential consultation with a... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law for California on
Q: Can someone look at a settlement offer my husband got because my company was modifying my time card to avoid penalties?

They are in wrong and are settling for the bare minimum.

Neil Pedersen
Neil Pedersen
answered on Dec 5, 2024

Certainly you can get an employment law attorney to look at the settlement. However, understand that such a job necessarily involves more than just looking at the document. To do such a job competently and in a manner to avoid malpractice claims, the attorney will necessarily have to review the... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Employment Law and Small Claims for California on
Q: I've worked for an apartment complex for over 5 years Doing 2 remodels , and some general maintenance. Never been paid

I have witnesses ( current apartment manager, apartment owners son , and all the people living there) who said they would have no Problem testifying to me working. I'd say its at least 10 k for over 5 years. I still go and do maintenance to this day. The owners son tells me to be back the next... View More

Neil Pedersen
Neil Pedersen
answered on Dec 4, 2024

First thing: STOP WORKING FOR THIS GUY! He has proven for a long time to be someone who is taking advantage of you. Use your time to find a new employer who will actually pay you for your time and hard work. You have a right to be paid by this guy whether or not you continue to work for him.... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Employment Law and Small Claims for California on
Q: I've worked for an apartment complex for over 5 years Doing 2 remodels , and some general maintenance. Never been paid

I have witnesses ( current apartment manager, apartment owners son , and all the people living there) who said they would have no Problem testifying to me working. I'd say its at least 10 k for over 5 years. I still go and do maintenance to this day. The owners son tells me to be back the next... View More

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on Dec 4, 2024

Sorry that you had your wages STOLEN by this apt owner. I hear about this all the time. Because you provided physical labor on the premises, you may also be entitled to file a mechanic's lein against the property. If you do, you have to be prepared to file a lawsuit to enforce it, however the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law for California on
Q: does the California minimum wage law for mechanics, providing their own tools, not apply to apprentices

I am a mechanic with three years of experience Southern California. I was hired onto this company with my own tools.

I recently brought up to management that I have provided my own tools and that I should be paid California minimum wage

Company does not provide me with any kind of... View More

Brad S Kane
Brad S Kane
answered on Dec 3, 2024

The short answer is probably not. The California minimum wage law for mechanics who provide their own tools does not apply to apprentices. According to 8 CCR § 11100, when tools or equipment are required by the employer or necessary for the job, the employer must provide and maintain them, except... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Employment Law for California on
Q: Does a public school district in CA need to pay waiting time penalty fees after being terminated?

I was let go from a school district about 30 days ago and have not been paid my final wages. I talked to payroll and they said they were exempt from this as they are federally funded. Is this correct or will I need to seek legal counsel to receive my waiting time penalties?

Brad S Kane
Brad S Kane
answered on Dec 3, 2024

The short answer is probably not. If you were employed by a public school, you should not be entitled to waiting time penalties as Labor Code 203 is among the provisions that do not apply to governmental employers. Under Labor 200(b) Sections 200 to 211, inclusive, and Sections 215 to 219,... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Employment Law for California on
Q: My new employer supposed to compensate me for mileage expenditure driving my car for the job? My old job did.

As a public health worker and case manager, I have to drive to different residential addresses throughout the day. My old job reimbursed me for the mileage I expended, but my new job doesn't talk about it. There is nothing in the employee handbook that even brings up any such policy.

Neil Pedersen
Neil Pedersen
answered on Dec 2, 2024

You are entitled to reimbursement for all auto-related expenses when you use your own vehicle to carry out work-related actions. That is often done by paying you an amount of money per mile, but can also be straight reimbursement for gas, wear and tear, insurance, and the like. Just know that you... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law for California on
Q: Do I have the right to claim overtime compensation?

I work on a hospital here in Los Angeles as a part time employee on 12 hrs shift, 36 hrs a week. I've been with them for almost 14 years and that's been my work schedule from the very beginning. But my employer suddenly decided to change my work schedule to 8 hrs a shift, 40 hrs a week... View More

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on Dec 4, 2024

Your rights are governed by 2 different things. first there are the laws, which are found in the wage orders for your type of job, located on the Labor Commissioner website. You may be WO 4 as a professional. In the wage orders there are special rules that apply to "Health Care Workers."... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Employment Law for California on
Q: What legal protections exist for non-profit employees reporting a dysfunctional workplace environment to the board chair

If staff members describe both ongoing bullying and a systemic lack of leadership structure to the board chair, and these have been documented in at least three staff /HR interviews, and the CEO has explicitly forbidden board-staff communications, what whistleblower or anti-retaliation protections... View More

Brad S Kane
Brad S Kane
answered on Nov 25, 2024

Labor Code 1102.5 protects employees, including non-profit employees, for reporting or opposing what they in good faith believe to be illegal conduct. Lack of leadership is not illegal, but bullying may be illegal if motivated by hostility toward a protected class or opposition to illegal conduct.... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Employment Law for California on
Q: What legal protections exist for non-profit employees reporting a dysfunctional workplace environment to the board chair

If staff members describe both ongoing bullying and a systemic lack of leadership structure to the board chair, and these have been documented in at least three staff /HR interviews, and the CEO has explicitly forbidden board-staff communications, what whistleblower or anti-retaliation protections... View More

Neil Pedersen
Neil Pedersen
answered on Nov 25, 2024

First, employees of a non-profit are to be treated the same way as employees of a for profit enterprise. No difference.

Second, bullying in the workplace and a systemic lack of leadership structure are not unlawful unless you can prove the bullying is being targeted at you because you are...
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2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law and Employment Discrimination for California on
Q: My neighbor got fired for not going to work for 3 days but he had a doctor's note so is there anything he can do
Brad S Kane
Brad S Kane
answered on Nov 23, 2024

The first question is whether the employee communicated with his employer about his absence. If the illness was so severe and unexpected that it prevented communication, then the failure to notify the employer could be excused.

In California, if your employer has at least 5 employees, then...
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3 Answers | Asked in Employment Law for California on
Q: If I own 2 companies, can I have employees work 8 hours in one and part time in the other? Same location.

We have 2 companies located in the same building. Can they work for one full time and part time for the other, the same day? Technically, doing 12 hours with 2 different companies.

Neil Pedersen
Neil Pedersen
answered on Nov 21, 2024

Yes, you can have the same employee work at two of your locations. The issue will be whether they will need to be paid overtime after they work 8 hours in a workday or 40 hours a workweek. That issue will be resolved by looking at the type of work, the level of control by you of the two... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Employment Law for California on
Q: If I own 2 companies, can I have employees work 8 hours in one and part time in the other? Same location.

We have 2 companies located in the same building. Can they work for one full time and part time for the other, the same day? Technically, doing 12 hours with 2 different companies.

Brad S Kane
Brad S Kane
answered on Nov 21, 2024

You will likely be sued for multiple wage and hour violations, including but not limited to unpaid overtime, meal and rest break violations, wage statement penalties, etc., unless there is a great deal of separation between the companies. The corporate form is not enough.

If the companies...
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2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law and Employment Discrimination for California on
Q: I was fired from walmart in Feb.2024 I feel I was terminated wrongly I know CA right to terminate I feel I was targeted

My final reason for termination was Job performance with the explanation of I left my shift early and did not tell anyone and that I was warned before. Yes I left my shift early did I tell anyone yes and I wrote on our Teaming schedule that I was leaving early like all others do and never get into... View More

Neil Pedersen
Neil Pedersen
answered on Nov 20, 2024

In California you are considered to be employed on an at will basis unless you have an agreement to the contrary about that status with your employer. The employer of an at will employer can terminate the employee at any time and for any reason or even no reason at all. Terminating you for... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for California on
Q: Can my employer force me to go on disability if they refuse my accommodations request? Do I have grounds to fight back?

I work for a multi-billion dollar, global corporation in a manufacturing facility. I was recently diagnosed with ALS and have been working from home for several months. I made a formal accommodations request for a wheelchair accessible workspace and a hybrid work schedule (2 days in office/2 days... View More

Neil Pedersen
Neil Pedersen
answered on Nov 18, 2024

Far more needs to be known about your situation before an attorney can confirm whether you are being treated unlawfully. However there are indications in your post that the employer may be violating the Fair Employment and Housing Act. For instance, you do not post about what restrictions you have... View More

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