Despite the increased global consciousness spurred on by the #MeToo movement, sexual harassment and assault remain serious issues in the workplace. Countless employees of all gender and sexual identities face unlawful harassment on a daily basis. Sexual harassment at work is detrimental to everyone involved, including the targets of the harassment, the witnesses or coworkers…
We all work hard to earn a living, and we have the right to be fairly and fully compensated for any work we perform. Federal and California state wage and hour law protects employees from employer wage theft. Unfortunately however, wage theft still occurs. Generally, wage theft occurs when employers do not pay their employees…
The classification of workers holds significant implications for employers and employees alike. The distinction between an independent contractor (or “gig” worker) and an employee impacts important issues including legal protections, compensation, benefits, and taxation. In order to understand your rights in the workplace and ensure that you are not being misclassified, it is important to…
There are many reasons that a termination may be unfair or unjust; a termination may also be illegal and considered to be “wrongful termination.” In California, employment is considered to be ‘at-will,’ meaning that your employer may fire you at any time without cause. Despite the state’s at-will employment policy, there are numerous ways that…
Sexual harassment should never happen at all, but unfortunately, it does. No one should have to go to work and fear that they will become the victim of workplace harassment. There are various ways that sexual harassment is inflicted on someone else, and in every instance it should be brought to light so that the…
Strip clubs have historically hired dancers as independent contractors. In this classification, dancers do not get paychecks from the clubs they work at, instead they work for cash tips and pay the club for their stage time at the end of the night. Their independent contractor status guarantees dancers no money; they do not receive…
What is the difference between being an exempt employee and a non-exempt employee? Exempt and non-exempt employment status determine how an employee is paid, and what legal protections they have while at work. Exempt Employees: Exempt employees are ‘exempt’ from, and not covered by, the legal protections laid out in the Fair Labor Standards Act…
Over the past decade, the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements have shed light on sexual harassment and assault in high profile sectors such as Hollywood, politics, and tech, and by well-known personalities and public figures. However, the movements did little to highlight the insidious and routine sexual harassment faced by employees working lower profile, and…
If you have been fired, you may be wondering whether or not you should file a wrongful termination lawsuit. Regardless of the circumstances, getting fired is upsetting, and may likely feel unfair and unjust. However, not all terminations are legally wrongful, and proving that a termination is illegal can be complicated. Navruz Avloni is an…
Many employment agreements contain non-compete and non-solicitation clauses, and nationally, the use of these agreements are becoming increasingly common at work. Employers may insist that employees sign non-compete and non-solicitation agreements as conditions of employment, and refuse to hire or continue to employ workers who are unwilling to enter into these agreements. However, the legality…
Over half a decade ago, the anti-sexual assault and women’s empowerment movements #MeToo and Time’s Up raised global awareness of widespread sexual harassment and assault. Sexual harassment and assault remain serious issues in the workplace; countless employees of all gender and sexual identities face unlawful harassment on a daily basis. All employees have the right…
A “glass ceiling” represents an invisible barrier that prevents people from rising beyond a certain level in a workplace. The glass ceiling is typically used in reference to discrimination against women in the workplace, but also applies to discrimination against all marginalized groups. While the barrier is invisible, glass ceiling discrimination has visible effects; it…
