Employment Law Articles

Learn and discover the latest useful employment law articles for practical information, DIY, and ideas from a network of leading business and corporate lawyers.

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California Labor Code 5814: Penalties for Delayed or Unreasonable Workers’ Compensation Payments

California Labor Code 5814 outlines penalties for delayed workers’ compensation, protecting injured employees from financial hardship caused by late payments. Workers may claim up to 25 percent penalties for unreasonable delays, ensuring timely disability benefits, medical coverage, and settlement reimbursements.

California Labor Code 202: Final Paycheck Rules When Employees Quit

California Labor Code 202 requires employers to pay final wages on time when employees resign, with timing based on notice given. Workers may also claim unused vacation pay, request retirement fund deposits, or seek penalties for delayed payments.

California Labor Code 1174: Employer Timekeeping and Recordkeeping Requirements

California Labor Code 1174 outlines employer timekeeping and recordkeeping duties, allowing electronic or paper systems when records are indelible. Keep records in California, preserve them at least three years, and provide accessible copies to workers and authorities.

Labor Code 1194 California: Overtime and Minimum Wage Rights, and Remedies

California Labor Code 1194 protects workers seeking unpaid minimum wage and overtime, providing legal remedies, interest, and reasonable attorney’s fees. Employees can file lawsuits or arbitration claims to recover wages, enforce rights, and safeguard against unlawful employer practices in California.

California Labor Code Section 2810.3: Employer Liability for Labor Contractor Violations

California Labor Code Section 2810.3 makes client employers liable for labor contractor wage violations and missing workers’ compensation coverage. Reduce risk through careful vetting, clear contracts, payroll monitoring, and tight compliance with statutory duties and narrow exemptions.

California Labor Code 201: Final Paycheck Rules, Employee Rights, and Employer Obligations

California Labor Code 201 requires immediate final paychecks at discharge, covering unpaid wages, unused vacation, and earned bonuses. Employees may seek penalties and file claims if payment is delayed or withheld.

Labor Code 510: California Overtime Pay, Exceptions, and Calculations

California Labor Code 510 outlines overtime pay rules, exemptions, and calculation methods, protecting employees from unfair wage practices and misclassification. This guide explains daily and weekly overtime, special worker protections, and the legal steps available if overtime pay is denied.

Meal Premium California: Laws, Penalties, and Employer Compliance

California meal premium rules require employers to provide compliant breaks or face fines, lawsuits, and costly penalties. Use clear policies, precise tracking, and regular reviews to maintain compliance and avoid financial or reputational harm.

Employee Record Retention by State: Guide for Employers

State-by-state employee record retention guide covering payroll, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, child labor, discrimination, and access. Get clear timelines and required details for Alabama to Wyoming so employers meet audits, claims, and compliance duties.

How Much Notice Does an Employer Have to Give for a Schedule Change in California?

California employers must follow state and local rules on schedule changes, including notice periods, overtime, and reporting time pay. This guide explains meal breaks, overtime, predictable scheduling, local city ordinances, and penalties for violating California labor laws.

Employment Mediation: Process, Benefits, Preparation, and What to Expect

Employment mediation offers a faster, cost-effective alternative to litigation for resolving workplace disputes. Get the process, benefits, preparation steps, what to expect, possible outcomes, and mediator roles.

What Is Fair Chance Hiring? Meaning, Benefits, and How It Works for Employers

Fair chance hiring gives candidates with criminal records fair consideration, helping employers access loyal, diverse, and skilled talent. It strengthens compliance, lowers turnover, and helps build high performance teams without compromising workplace safety.

California Labor Code Section 204: Employee Rights When Employers Pay Late

Late wage payments in California can trigger penalties under Labor Code Section 204, protecting employees from repeated payroll delays. Workers have legal options including waiting time penalties, wage claims, and attorney assistance to secure timely pay.

California Equal Pay Act: Differences from Federal Law, Employer Duties, and Employee Protections

California’s Equal Pay Act expands protections beyond federal law, covering pay disparities by sex, race, and ethnicity. Employers must justify wage differences with valid factors; employees gain retaliation safeguards, filing options, and potential damages.

I-9 Compliance: Employer Rules, Penalties, and Best Practices

I-9 compliance helps employers verify work authorization, meet federal rules, and avoid costly fines, penalties, and legal issues. Use proper documentation, audits, E-Verify, and training to maintain compliance and reduce employment verification risks.

California Labor Code: Divisions, Laws, and Employee Rights Overview

California Labor Code overview covering divisions, employee rights, workplace safety, workers’ compensation, and enforcement across key industries. Trace major milestones, landmark cases, and updates that shape employer obligations and protections for California workers today.

Are Non-Solicitation Agreements Enforceable in California? Exceptions and Legal Insights

Non-solicitation agreements in California are mostly unenforceable, except when tied to trade secrets, business sales, or partnership dissolutions. This article outlines key exceptions, legal challenges, and how courts determine when limited restrictions may stand under state law.

California Labor Code Section 226: Wage Statement Requirements & Penalties

California Labor Code Section 226 sets strict paystub requirements and exposes employers to lawsuits, PAGA penalties, and fees. Review wage statements for all nine items; third party payroll services do not shield companies from compliance mistakes.

Do You Have to Sign a Write-Up at Work? Employee Rights and Employer Policies Explained

Employees often ask if they must sign a workplace write-up, and the answer depends on labor laws and company policies. This guide explains employee rights, employer practices, and options for responding when faced with disciplinary write-ups.

ABC Test California: AB 5 Exceptions, Borello Factors, and Worker Status

AB 5 reshaped California worker classification with the ABC test, Borello factors, and multiple exemptions impacting industries and licensed professionals. This guide covers independent contractor rules, key exceptions, and legal consequences for misclassification under California employment law.

How Long to Keep Employee Files: Record Retention Laws, Timelines, and Best Practices

Keep employee records compliant with federal and state retention laws to protect your business from fines, lawsuits, and compliance issues. Establish clear policies, digitize securely, and retain files for proper timelines to ensure efficiency, privacy, and legal protection.

Separation of Employment: State Notice Requirements, Termination Letters, and Compliance Guide

State separation laws vary, requiring employers to issue termination notices on time to reduce penalties and compliance risk. This guide covers state notice requirements, termination letters, unemployment benefit notifications, and practical steps for multi-state compliance.

Labor Code Section 2810.5: CA Hiring and Wage Notice Guide

California Labor Code Section 2810.5 outlines hiring and wage notice requirements employers must follow to avoid penalties and lawsuits. Employers must provide detailed written notices, comply with minimum wage laws, and use official forms to remain compliant.

California Sick Leave Law 2025: Employee Rights, Accrual Rules, and Local Ordinances

California Sick Leave Law 2025 explains employee rights, accrual rules, and employer duties for paid sick time in California. Local ordinances in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, and Santa Monica offer additional protections and higher sick leave caps.

What is Comp Time at Work? Definition, Legal Rules, and How it Differs from Overtime

Comp time lets employers offer time off instead of overtime pay, but strict legal rules often limit its use. This guide explains comp time, how it differs from overtime, and the legal risks businesses must review.

California Vacation Law Update 2025: Changes to Paid Leave, PFL Use, and Workplace Policies

California’s 2025 vacation law update adds new protections for employees, impacting paid leave, workplace meetings, and contractor agreements. Employers must adjust to expanded worker rights, anti-discrimination rules, and stricter compliance requirements taking effect January 1, 2025.

California Wage Statement Rules: What Must Be Shown and What to Do If Your Pay Stub Has Errors

California employers must provide accurate pay stubs detailing wages, deductions, hours, and other required information under state labor laws. Employees may seek penalties, back pay, and legal action if wage statements contain errors or missing details.