Know Your Rights in the Workplace

In California, employees have several workplace rights that protect them from employment discrimination. Employment discrimination is a significant issue that affects many individuals in the workforce. Discrimination can occur based on various factors, including race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, and national origin. As an employee in California, it is important to understand your workplace rights and what constitutes employment discrimination. McCune Law Group, APC, is committed to advocating for employees’ rights in the workplace and promoting a fair and just working environment for all. 

Your Workplace Rights in California 

Under California law, employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees based on the above-mentioned protected characteristics. Discrimination can permeate many areas, including hiring practices, job assignments, promotions, compensation, and termination. Additionally, employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities to allow them to perform the essential functions of their job. California law also prohibits retaliation against employees who complain about discrimination or participate in investigations of discrimination. Employees who believe they have been discriminated against have the right to file a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). 

It is important for employees to know their rights in the workplace and act if they believe they have been discriminated against. Some steps employees can take include:

1. Keeping a record of any incidents of discrimination or harassment they experience or witness.
2.  Reporting incidents of discrimination or harassment to their supervisor or HR department. 
3. Filing a complaint with the DFEH or EEOC. 
4. Consulting with an experienced employment discrimination attorney, like those at McCune Law Group. 

Examples of Employment Discrimination 

Employment discrimination can take various forms that are sometimes hard to decipher. Here are some examples of employment from the Department of Labor: 

• Assigning all Hispanic employees to a particular work area 
• Paying women less than men for the same work 
• Promoting only certain employees based on their sex or race 
• Teasing employees who speak with an accent that goes beyond occasional or a single incident.  

Workplace Protections in California 

California has strong laws that protect employees from employment discrimination. As an employee in California, you have the following rights: 

1. The right to a workplace free from discrimination: California law prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on their protected characteristics. Employers must provide a workplace that is free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. 
2. The right to file a complaint: If you believe you have been the victim of employment discrimination, you have the right to file a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). 
3. The right to be free from retaliation: Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who assert their workplace rights or file a complaint of employment discrimination.