Navigating employment law can be overwhelming, but the right resources can make all the difference. This page is designed to empower individuals in California with clear, actionable guidance and access to federal, state, and local support. Whether you’re an employee facing workplace injustice, a whistleblower exposing unethical practices, or someone who’s been unfairly terminated, these resources are here to help you understand your rights and take informed action.

Below, we’ve organized resources by key employment law practice areas, with a special focus on Los Angeles County and legal aid services available in Spanish.

Workplace Discrimination

Discrimination in the workplace is illegal, yet it remains a persistent issue. If you’ve experienced discrimination based on race, gender, religion, age, disability, or other protected characteristics, these resources can guide you.

Federal Resources:

• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): Investigates claims of workplace discrimination and retaliation. File a claim or learn more at www.eeoc.gov.
• Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA): Protects workers aged 40 and older against age-based discrimination.

California-Specific Resources:

• Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): Enforces anti-discrimination laws within California workplaces.
• California Civil Rights Department (CRD): Handles complaints about discrimination and harassment under FEHA. Visit www.calcivilrights.ca.gov.

Local Resources:

• Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA): Offers free legal support for discrimination claims, with services available in English, Spanish, and other languages.

Wage & Hour Laws

Understanding wage and hour laws is critical to protecting your income. From minimum wage violations to unpaid overtime, the following resources can help you hold employers accountable.

Federal Resources:

• U.S. Department of Labor (DOL): Oversees federal wage and hour standards under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). File a complaint or learn your rights at www.dol.gov.

California-Specific Resources:

• Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE): Investigates wage theft, unpaid overtime, and other workplace violations. File a claim through www.dir.ca.gov/dlse.

Los Angeles-Specific Resources:

• Los Angeles Office of Wage Standards (OWS): Focuses on enforcing LA’s local wage ordinances.

Key Statistic

According to the Economic Policy Institute, wage theft costs California workers an estimated $2 billion annually.

Whistleblower Protections

Exposing unethical or illegal activity in the workplace takes courage. California has some of the strongest protections for whistleblowers in the U.S.

Federal Resources:

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Provides whistleblower protections in cases involving workplace safety violations.

California-Specific Resources:

• California Whistleblower Protection Act: Shields employees from retaliation for reporting legal violations or misconduct.

Workplace Harassment

No one should have to endure harassment in the workplace. Whether the harassment is verbal, physical, or based on protected characteristics, these resources can help.

Federal Resources:

• EEOC: Offers guidance and action for employees experiencing workplace harassment.

California-Specific Resources:

• CRD Mediation Services: Offers free mediation to resolve harassment disputes before formal complaints escalate.

Local Resources in Los Angeles:

• Bet Tzedek Legal Services: Provides pro bono assistance for harassment victims, with services available in Spanish and other languages.

Insight on Claims

Workplace harassment remains one of the most commonly filed claims in Los Angeles County, with over 25% of complaints filed through the CRD involving harassment.

Wrongful Termination

Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired for reasons that violate federal or state laws, such as retaliation or discrimination.

Federal Resources:

• EEOC: Handles claims if termination was based on discrimination or retaliation.
• National Labor Relations Board (NLRB): Protects workers dismissed for union involvement or collective activities.

California-Specific Resources:

• DLSE Retaliation Complaint Investigation Unit: Reviews claims of wrongful termination related to retaliation.

Additional Legal Support

For those in Los Angeles County, access to local legal aid organizations can offer tailored help.

• Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA): Provides free employment law guidance for low-income residents.
• California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation (CRLA): Offers expertise for agricultural workers and low-wage earners.

Taking Action

Standing up for your rights starts here. With the help of these resources, you can better understand protections under California and federal laws and access dedicated support for your case. Whether you’re seeking to file a complaint, access legal representation, or prevent future violations, there’s a path forward—and you don’t have to walk it alone.

Todd M. Friedman Law is here to provide expert legal counsel and strong advocacy for California employees. If you’re ready to demand justice, contact our team for a free consultation today.

Independent Contractor Rights

Independent contractors play a vital role in California’s economy, but their rights often differ significantly from those of traditional employees. Understanding your classification and protections under the law is crucial, especially with the evolving regulations in California.

California-Specific Laws and Protections

• Assembly Bill 5 (AB5): AB5 establishes strict criteria for classifying workers as independent contractors. The law uses the ABC Test, which requires that:
  1. The worker is free from the control and direction of the hiring entity in performing their work.
  2. The work performed is outside the usual course of the hiring entity’s business.
  3. The worker is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, or business of the same nature as the work performed.

Workers who do not meet all three criteria are typically considered employees, entitling them to benefits such as minimum wage, overtime pay, and workers’ compensation.

• Certain professions (like freelance writers, hairstylists, and rideshare drivers) are subject to specific exemptions under AB5. However, even within exempt industries, misclassification can be a widespread issue.

Federal Resources

• U.S. Department of Labor (DOL): Provides guidance on independent contractor status under federal laws like the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Contractors can access resources on misclassification and learn about protections for gig workers at www.dol.gov.

Common Legal Issues

• Misclassification: Being wrongly classified as an independent contractor instead of an employee can deprive you of important benefits, such as health insurance or unemployment compensation.
• Wage Disputes: Independent contractors may face challenges with late payments, withheld payments, or unclear terms in service agreements.
• Benefits Eligibility: Under California laws, some contractors may be entitled to certain workplace benefits if misclassification is established.

Local Resources in Los Angeles County

If you’re an independent contractor in Los Angeles County and believe your rights have been violated, local organizations can provide essential assistance.

• Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA): Offers help with misclassification cases, unpaid wages, and contractor agreements, with services available in multiple languages, including Spanish.
• Bet Tzedek Legal Services: Specializes in workplace rights for Californians, including gig workers and independent contractors confronting legal disputes.

Taking Action

As an independent contractor in California, understanding your rights begins with clarifying your classification and knowing industry-specific rules. If you’re unsure about your status or believe you’ve been misclassified, you have options. With the right legal resources and support, you can pursue a fair resolution to protect your earnings and benefits.

Todd M. Friedman Law is committed to advocating for independent contractors across the state. Contact us for a consultation if you need expert representation or advice about your rights as a contractor in California.

Employee Privacy Rights

Employee privacy rights are a vital yet often misunderstood aspect of workplace protections. In California, employees benefit from some of the strongest privacy laws in the country, ensuring safeguards against unreasonable monitoring and misuse of personal data. Understanding these protections can help you recognize when your rights have been violated.

California-Specific Laws and Protections

• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):
  The CCPA gives California employees greater control over their personal data, granting the right to know what information employers collect, why it’s being collected, and how it will be used. Employees can also request the deletion or correction of their personal data in certain cases.
• Workplace Monitoring Regulations:
  California workplaces are subject to strict rules regarding surveillance and electronic monitoring. Employers are generally required to notify employees if monitoring (such as email tracking, phone recording, or video surveillance) is taking place. Monitoring without proper notice may constitute a violation of your privacy rights.

Federal Resources

Common Privacy Issues

• Electronic Monitoring: Employees frequently encounter workplace monitoring of emails, internet usage, and even GPS tracking. Without proper disclosure, such practices may overstep legal boundaries.
• Personal Data Protection: Employers are responsible for safeguarding sensitive information like Social Security numbers or medical records. Mismanagement of this information can lead to identity theft or privacy violations.
• Employee Consent: Employers must often obtain consent before engaging in practices that affect privacy, particularly for activities like background checks or photo usage in marketing materials.

Local Resources in Los Angeles County

If you suspect your privacy rights have been violated in a Los Angeles County workplace, several local resources can provide assistance and legal advice.

• Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA): Offers resources and legal representation for employees with privacy concerns, including data mismanagement or unauthorized surveillance.
• Bet Tzedek Legal Services: Provides pro bono services for privacy violations in the workplace, with multilingual support including Spanish.

Key Statistic

A 2021 survey found that 62% of California employees were unaware of their rights under the CCPA, highlighting a crucial need for workplace privacy education and advocacy.

Taking Action

Employee privacy is a fundamental right, but exercising it sometimes requires knowing when it’s been breached. Whether you’re dealing with excessive monitoring, unauthorized data collection, or inadequate security measures for personal information, there are laws to support you.

Todd M. Friedman Law is equipped to advocate for employees facing privacy violations and to hold employers accountable when trust is broken. Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights.

Employment Law FAQs

Have more questions? Reach out to our team for tailored legal advice and support on employment law issues in California.