For individuals in California or elsewhere who believe they have been victims of sexual harassment or discrimination, pursuing these claims against a large multinational corporation can be a daunting task. A California woman recently sought relief from the California Court of Appeals to proceed with her claims of sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation based on the conduct of the employer and management while she worked with the defendant. The Alleged Harassment and Discrimination According to the facts discussed in the recently published opinion, the appellant was a senior marketin ..read more

California and federal law protect the rights of employees from unlawful termination, which may include termination upon the basis of a mental health problem suffered by the employee. Employees are required to request reasonable accommodation for their illness in order to benefit from all of the legal protections available, however, employers may still terminate an employee after accommodations have been requested under some circumstances. The California Court of Appeals recently addressed an appeal to a rejected discrimination claim that had been pursued by a dentist against her former employ ..read more

In California, a pioneering ‘Right to Disconnect’ bill, AB 2751, seeks to shield employees from the increasingly prevalent expectation of perpetual availability to their employers. This legislative proposal mandates that employers clearly define work hours and prohibits employees from responding to work-related communications, such as emails, phone calls, or instant messages, outside these designated times, except in emergencies or for essential scheduling adjustments. As the first of its kind in the United States, the bill aims to foster a healthier work-life balance and reduce burnout among ..read more

The Federal Trade Commission has issued a transformative ruling that bans noncompete clauses nationwide. This significant move aims to boost competition and enhance innovation and empowers workers, including California employees, to explore new job opportunities without fearing legal repercussions. This rule marks a pivotal change for California employees, expanding their career possibilities and fostering a more dynamic job market. As the landscape of employment law shifts, it’s crucial for workers to seek legal guidance. Consulting with an attorney will help you understand the specific impac ..read more

When navigating the complexities of the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) claims in California, having an experienced attorney by your side is imperative. The recent ruling by the California Supreme Court in Estrada v. Royalty Carpet Mills has significant implications for how these claims are handled in court, making it essential for both employees and employers to understand the changes and how they affect their legal strategies. Background of Estrada v. Royalty Carpet Mills In Estrada, employees brought forward a lawsuit alleging various wage and hour violations against their employer, Ro ..read more

California employees facing challenges with sick leave may need to consult with a lawyer to navigate the complexities of new legislation and ensure their rights are protected. The recent enactment of Senate Bill (SB) 616, effective January 1, 2024, significantly alters the nature of paid sick leave (PSL) for workers across the state, demanding attention and understanding from employees and employers. Understanding SB 616 and Its Impact SB 616 broadens the scope of PSL, mandating that nearly all California employers provide a minimum of 40 hours or five days of paid sick leave, whichever is gre ..read more

In a recent case, the Second District Court of Appeals Division 8 in California issued an opinion in an appeal involving a termination dispute between an employer and an employee. The plaintiff is a former employee of the defendant, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (Cedars). The plaintiff contends that she was wrongfully terminated by Cedars based on disability discrimination and also made a claim under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). At trial, Cedars filed a motion for summary judgment, and the court issued a written order granting the motion. Facts of the Case Plaintiff began working ..read more

In a recent case, the Second District Court of Appeals Division 8 in California issued an opinion in an appeal involving a termination dispute between an employer and an employee. The plaintiff is a former employee of the defendant, St. Cecilia Catholic School. The plaintiff contends that she was wrongfully terminated by St. Cecilia for age discrimination in violation of the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. At trial, St. Cecilia filed a motion for summary judgment, and the trial court issued an order granting the motion. Facts of the Case St. Cecilia is a Catholic elementary school ..read more

In a recent California Court of Appeals case decided in February 2023, the court’s decision illuminates the burden that employees bear, specifically employees who are bringing disability discrimination claims against their employers. In this case, a registered nurse’s employment was terminated by the County after the County determined that she was unable to perform the essential functions of her job after the nurse sought to return to her position under new restrictions after an absence. The County also decided that an accommodation was not possible. The nurse filed a lawsuit against the count ..read more

In a recent opinion decided by the Napa County Superior Court, the court decided against the plaintiff in an employment lawsuit, bringing to light the importance of meeting filing deadlines and understanding and following the legal rules put in place regarding certain filing requirements. In this case, an employee of the California Department of State Hospitals was disciplined by her employer with a temporary salary reduction and was later terminated. The employee unsuccessfully challenged the salary reduction and termination in administrative proceedings before the State Personnel Board but f ..read more