California lawmakers have tried to ensure that state workers are treated fairly and receive various protections from employer wrongdoing. Part of that is passing new laws to shield these workers.
With the dawn of a new year, there are several key laws that went into effect. It is imperative for all workers, regardless of what they do for a living, to be fully up to date on the new laws. This is vital if they believe they have been subjected to illegal behavior on the job.
What new laws will impact worker rights?
Retaliation is a constant concern for workers. For example, if they have the right to take time off, they may fear reprisal. One problem that crops up is if there is an emergency condition. This is defined as a danger to people or property on the job based on a natural force like the weather or criminal behavior. It also relates to a necessary evacuation of their workplace, home or their child’s school for the same reasons. Workers can no longer be retaliated against for leaving under these circumstances.
For pay transparency, employers must now disclose the hourly pay or salary range when listing a job. There must also be an up-to-date pay scale to people already employed.
With sexual assault and harassment, mandatory arbitration of these claims has been eliminated. In addition, if there were already agreements in place where workers who made these claims were bound by arbitration, it too has been nullified.
Workers who have lost a loved one can get five days of bereavement leave provided they have been employed for a minimum of 30 days. It need not be consecutive, but must be taken within three months of the death.
Paid sick leave gives employees the right to take time off to take care of a designated person. The employer must identify this person beforehand when they are asking for the paid sick leave.
Employees should know the value of legal advice for employment law violations
Often, workers are unaware of their rights in general. They function under the impression that there is a limit to what they can do to hold employers accountable for misbehaviors and perceived legal violations.
In recent years, there have been employee-centric campaigns to show aggrieved workers that they do have options to put a stop to employment law violations and even get compensation for what happened.
These new laws can help workers who believe they have been wronged. For assistance, it is always useful to consult with experienced professionals who understand all aspects of labor and employment law in California.