People often think that they will know immediately if their employer takes issue with their behavior, especially if the company decides to wrongfully terminate them. People imagine that retaliation in the workplace is obvious and instant, such as getting fired in the...
Employment Law
Can an employer deny you overtime wages because of a policy?
Workers and employers often have very different perspectives on overtime. Specifically, businesses would often prefer to avoid paying 150% of someone's typical hourly wage, while most hourly workers are often excited about the prospect of that little increase in their...
Is downsizing just age discrimination?
There are certainly times when companies need to make layoffs and downsize. This often happens if there’s a reduction in sales. A company that is making $3 million a year may hire a bunch of new employees, see revenue drop to $2 million the next year, and have to let...
3 ways companies may discriminate against pregnant women
Pregnancy will mean big changes for the expectant mother, regardless of whether this is her first child or her fourth child. Both planned and unexpected pregnancies may have an impact on someone's health, their job performance and their daily availability for work....
3 losses you may suffer when an employer misclassifies you
When you take a job, you have to fill out that paperwork that helps your employer withhold the right amount of income tax contributions from each paycheck. Sometimes, employers have you fill out a 1099 document as an independent contractor instead of having you fill...
How do you determine if you are the victim of wage theft?
As an hourly worker, time clock records determine how much you receive in each paycheck. Your compensation can change from week to week based on your schedule, which can make it easy for you to overlook discrepancies between the hours you work and what your employer...
Can your employer fire you for taking leave to care for family?
Professionals have to balance the demands of loved ones with the obligations of their employment. Many working adults are able to meet most of their family needs when they are not at work by running errands on the way home and tackling household projects on the...
What is an independent contractor vs. an employee in California?
The way your employer classifies you affects their obligations and your rights. As an employee, you have the protection of certain laws and specific workplace programs, like workers' compensation and unemployment insurance. As an independent contractor, you are...
3 ways employers retaliate against those who report safety issues
Workers in the United States have protection from both federal and state laws. You have the right to a harassment and discrimination-free workplace. You should be able to trust that your employer complies with best practices regarding workplace safety. You should not...
Does receiving a salary make you exempt from overtime pay?
Earning a salary is a career goal for many people. A salaried position is likely a more stable one that the company intends to retain permanently, as opposed to hourly, seasonal positions that may only last for a few months. Salaried workers often receive benefits,...