The state of California is one of the most critical states in America. If you’re not from there, the chances are that you know someone who has moved to the Golden State for better opportunities or improved quality of life. In addition, California’s economy is vital, which means that more people than ever before are looking for work.
As a result, it can be challenging to find jobs, especially if you don’t have experience with specific skill sets. We will provide guidelines on making sure your employee’s rights are protected when working in California.
What Are Employee Benefits Required In California?
California law requires employers to provide several benefits and protections for their employees to ensure they are treated fairly. The law is particular on these requirements, and employers should make sure that any employment contracts or handbooks include several benefits. At Mara Law Firm, they ensure that your employees’ rights are protected and will provide the assistance you need.
Since benefits are vital aspects of California employment law, it’s also essential that employees know their rights and protect them.
The following are a few of the benefits required in California:
FMLA Benefits
Also known as the Family Medical Leave Act, FMLA provides employees with 12 weeks of unpaid leave for medical and family issues. California also offers a similar program called CFRA which allows up to six weeks or more depending on the employer’s needs.
Paid Sick Leave
According to California law, employees are entitled to an hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked. This means that employees who work more than eight hours a day are entitled to at least 40 hours of paid sick time.
Maternity Benefits
If you are expecting a child, you will be entitled to up to 16 weeks of maternity leave.
During this time, your employer should continue to pay your benefits and offer you the same amount of hours that you had before.
Social Security
This benefit is available to employees who are old enough and have paid into the system.
This means that you must be at least 18 years of age, earn a certain amount, or work in an industry with mandatory social security coverage. If your employer does not offer this benefit, you should contact the nearest social security office to pay your benefits.
Vacations and Holidays
As a California employee, you are entitled to several paid holidays and vacation days. This is not required by law, but it’s usually included in the employment contract or company handbook. If your employer does not offer this benefit, they may be breaking California labor laws and subject to fines for each violation.
Worker’s Compensation
This benefit provides employees with financial support and medical benefits if they are injured while at work. This can be significant if an employee cannot return to work after a long-term injury or illness because it may affect their ability to provide for themselves and their family members. If you’re unsure about your rights, contact the nearest Worker’s Comp office in your area.
Pay Final Wage
California law requires employers to pay out any final wages within 72 hours if you’re fired from your job. If they do not, the employer may be subject to fines and penalties for each violation. Therefore, employees who are laid off or let go should also receive their last paycheck immediately after leaving their place of work – even if it’s before the 72-hour window.
Why Do You Need To Know Your Rights As An Employee?
Though some contracts and laws protect employees, some always try to get around the law. For example, some employers have been known to withhold paychecks or retaliate against workers for reporting violations of their rights as employees in California.
Employees need to know what they’re entitled to and how they may protect themselves when working with an employer that does not respect their rights.
Employees who believe that they have been discriminated against may file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission, or EEOC. This can lead to their employer being fined for each violation and is therefore not something that employees should take lightly when protecting themselves as California workers.
Whether you’ve been injured at work or you’re not being paid what you deserve, understanding your rights as an employee in California can help protect you while holding your employer accountable for any law violations.
Some of the most common issues employees are facing include:
• Unpaid Wages
• Retaliation for Reporting Violations of Employment Rights to the EEOC
• Sexual Harassment or Discrimination at Work
• Outstanding Overtime/Comp Time that Employer has not approved
• Workers Compensation Benefits Being Denied, Delayed, or Not Followed Properly By Employer
• Unsafe Working Conditions
How Can An Employment Rights Lawyer Help Me?
If you believe that you have been discriminated against or unfairly treated by your employer, an attorney can help. California labor laws are complex, and it’s essential to know precisely what your rights as a worker entail to protect yourself financially and legally.
The first step is notifying your employer about the violations and allowing them time to correct any issues. If they fail to do so, you may consider filing a complaint with the EEOC or other government agencies for assistance in getting back what you’re owed. California labor laws protect workers from being retaliated against due to reporting on employers who violate state and federal law.
Suppose you believe that your employer is violating the rights of their employees. In that case, it’s essential to protect yourself while also holding them accountable for any violations or unfair practices related to employment.
Final Words
If you’re unsure about the benefits and protections that your employer should be offering, contact a legal professional to help you file a claim for workers’ rights violations in California. Knowing your rights is the first step to protecting them.
