Santa Barbara Employment Law Blog
Did your boss use your I-9 to discriminate against you?
Most employers in the U.S. have a legal obligation to verify the identity and work authorization of all new employees. Consequently, when you started your job, your boss or someone from the human resources department probably asked you to complete Form I-9, Employment...
Tips for employees dealing with workplace discrimination
Your employer is not allowed to discriminate against you because you fall within a protected category, like race, religion, gender, age, physical capability or veteran status. Additionally, according to the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, your...
Women claim sexual harassment and sue McDonald’s
Sexual harassment remains a challenge in many California workplaces. Even though a far greater level of attention is paid to the problem, workers are still victimized. Lower-wage employees and those in the service industry are especially vulnerable. To make matters...
EEOC launches investigation in Google discrimination case
Even some of California's biggest names in technology, many of which tout their innovative practices in the workplace, have been hit by serious allegations of sexual harassment and workplace discrimination. Women workers at Google and other tech firms have raised...
Filing a discrimination complaint in California
Discrimination is humiliating on many levels. The reason does not matter, whether it is race, age, sex, sexual orientation or another aspect. You may be angry. You may feel alone and powerless. However, justice is possible. The California Department of Fair...
Study finds employers steal billions each year from worker paychecks
A survey finds minimum-wage employees are among the hardest hit by wage theft by employers, with each worker losing an average of $3,300 each year. The study by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) reveals companies steal an estimated $15 billion a year from their...
Why do employers misclassify workers?
Not everyone who works for a company is necessarily an employee. Some businesses hire independent contractors to perform certain work duties. Though the work duties may be similar to an employee's, the contractor's status with the company is different. Because it is...
Understanding your rights as an hourly employee
Hourly employees have certain rights under state law. Knowing your rights helps you ensure that your employer is scheduling and paying you legally. If you receive an hourly wage at your job, these California labor laws apply to you. You can seek legal help if your...
You can use these powerful rights at work
Like you, most Americans work hard and work a lot. This is one of the most important parts of the nation's culture. Almost everyone here is committed to their jobs. Think about this: When you meet someone for the first time, what is the first question? Usually, it is...
