As an employee, it’s important to know your rights. If you suspect that your employer’s behavior violates local laws, you can get in touch with civil litigation attorneys in California to learn more about your options.
Understanding worker’s rights in the workplace will help you get fair treatment and adequate compensation. Here are some essential rights to be familiar with.
What are Worker’s Rights?
Worker’s rights describe an employee’s basic rights in the workplace. While your employer-employee relationship may be subject to specific rules and regulations, these rights apply to all workers. However, they may not apply to an independent contractor or part-time employee.
Labor laws ensure that employee rights are protected—that the workplace is safe, fair, and offers adequate compensation.
If your rights have been violated, your first line of defense is to file a complaint with the Human Resources Department. This can be useful if you end up taking your concerns to court.
What are Key Worker’s Rights in California?
Every worker is entitled to basic rights that allow them to complete their work safely, get fair compensation, and get the same work opportunities as other employees. The overall goal is to create a fair workplace.
Here are some key rights that are protected by law and should always be provided by employers.
Workplace Safety
Safe workplace conditions are the basic foundation of any job. If the safety conditions aren’t adequate, then workers cannot do their jobs properly or may be put at unnecessary risk. Over time, exposure to unsafe situations can even lead to serious health conditions.
Lack of proper signage, failure to maintain equipment, and hazardous materials that aren’t stored safely are all common problems. They can lead to an on-the-job injury or even death.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), carefully regulates workplace safety and working conditions. When a company fails to meet its standards, the former may issue fines or other consequences.
Wage Laws
Wage laws are in place to make sure workers’ compensation is adequate. Minimum wages are meant to provide employees with fair pay, and all companies must pay them at least that amount.
There are several other federal and state laws governing wages. For example, overtime pay requires employers to pay time and a half for any time they spend over 40 hours worked per week or eight hours per day. It’s calculated based on hourly pay and the number of hours in each pay period.
Employees also have the right to collective bargaining to push for better wages or benefits.
Anti-Discrimination Laws
Federal employment discrimination laws are in place to make sure all workers and job applicants are treated fairly, regardless of race, age, gender identity, disability, and national or social origin.
Discrimination based on any of these protected categories, rather than skill or experience, violates the legal rights of workers. It can manifest as denying certain employees promotions, paying some workers less than others when they have the same job description, and more.
Employees have the right to reasonable accommodations for disabilities, pregnancy, and other medical conditions. California employment attorneys can help you fight discrimination in your workplace and get compensation for unfair treatment.
Hire Skilled California Employment Attorneys to Protect Your Rights
When you believe you’ve experienced workplace discrimination, it is essential to hire a lawyer who can represent you and help you get fair compensation.
A good lawyer will work with you to determine the best legal strategy. Some employees are focused on getting paid damages, which can be done out of court. Other employees may want to take the case to court and publicize the situation.
Whatever your preference, we will stand with you. To request your free consultation, contact us at 866-320-4854 at LibertyBell Law Group today!