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Can I Work Without Taking a Lunch Break in California?

Yes, employees in California can officially waive their lunch breaks, but only if they work for less than six hours. Employees who choose to work through their lunch do so somewhat more unofficially. A recent California court decision changed the duty of employers to provide lunch breaks for a full day’s work. Previously, employers had… read more

How to Prove Wrongful Termination in 3 Easy Steps

Losing your job is difficult under the best of circumstances. If you suspect your employer is guilty of wrongful termination, however, it can be even harder to accept the loss of job – and you should not have to. Wrongful termination is against the law. California employment laws protect employees from discharge due to discrimination… read more

Can You Be Fired for Being an Alcoholic?

Under U.S. law, certain protections exist to protect employees against discrimination. Protected categories include race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and disability. The definition of disability is not always clear, especially when growing scientific research shows that substance abuse is related to a person’s mental health. If an employee suffers from alcoholism, can the employer fire… read more

Are California Employers Required to Pay You for Jury Duty?

Jury duty is an obligation that many adults have to participate in. It is illegal to not report for jury duty without providing an acceptable excuse based on state guidelines. However, participating in jury duty can be a financial hardship for many people. If an employer refuses to pay an employee for time taken to… read more

Overview of Video Camera Use in the Workplace

Privacy is an important concern today, where almost everyone has access to a smartphone with video recording capabilities. No one wants to have their private conversations recorded, especially not in the workplace. However, whether or not people can use video cameras at work remains unclear among many employers and employees alike. Can Employers Use Video… read more

Can Your Employer Fire You for Job Searching?

Many responsible individuals seek new employment while they are still working at another job. This strategy helps reduce the amount of time a person spends unemployed and ensures financial security. However, many employers do not act kindly when they discover that an employee is seeking opportunities elsewhere. In some cases, the company may fire the… read more

What is the the Difference Between 401(k)s and Pension Plans?

Recently in California, Republican and Democratic senators presented proposals that would allow state workers to choose between CalPERs and other public pension plans and 401(k)s. Those in favor of the proposal believe the state of California will not be able to adequately pay pensions to employees who depend on them if there is another recession…. read more

What Rights Do Interns Have in the Workplace?

Internships are a necessary part of landing an entry-level job. Often, recent college grads get their first position from pursuing unpaid internships during their time at university. However, it can be difficult to understand the rights and responsibilities interns have in the workplace. What role to they play and do they have any of the… read more

Common Myths About Workplace Discrimination

It is often up to you as an employee to protect your own rights in the state of California. Although law-abiding employers should be aware of the workplace environment and take steps to prevent or stop discrimination, this unfortunately isn’t always the case. Employees often must act against employers, initiating their own pursuit of justice…. read more