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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Can Union Representatives Be Present at Disciplinary Meetings

Can Union Representatives Be Present at Disciplinary Meetings?

Employees have the right to request a union representative during investigative interviews that may lead to disciplinary action. Employers must comply or face potential labor law violations under the National Labor Relations Act.
What Is an FTE (Full-Time Equivalent)

What Is an FTE (Full-Time Equivalent)?

A full-time equivalent (FTE) measures employee work hours, combining part-time and full-time schedules into a standardized metric. Businesses use FTE calculations for staffing, budgeting, and compliance with regulations like the Affordable Care Act.
What Are the Signs of Unfair Treatment at Work

What Are the Signs of Unfair Treatment at Work?

Unfair treatment at work includes discrimination, pay gaps, and biased promotions, impacting employees' well-being and career growth. Recognizing signs like harassment, favoritism, and wrongful termination helps employees take action against workplace discrimination.
What Is a Statutory Employee on a W-2 Form

What Is a Statutory Employee on a W-2 Form?

A statutory employee is a self-employed worker classified as an employee for tax withholding purposes, receiving a W-2 instead of a 1099-MISC. These workers can deduct business expenses on Schedule C but typically do not receive traditional employee benefits like health insurance or retirement plans.
What Laws Protect Employees From Workplace Bullying

What Laws Protect Employees From Workplace Bullying?

Workplace bullying affects millions and can create toxic environments, impacting morale and productivity. While no federal law directly prohibits it, state-level initiatives and anti-harassment laws offer some protection.

Employee Time Card Laws California

Under California law, employers must record and maintain accurate time records. If an employer wants to make changes or corrections to an employee's time card, it must be initialed by the employee.

Understanding California’s Break Laws

In California, non-exempt workers must receive the following breaks: An uninterrupted 30-minute unpaid meal break when working more than five hours in a day.

What Are the Different Types of Toxic Coworkers?

Toxic coworkers can hinder productivity and morale. Identify five types of toxic coworkers and strategies to effectively manage them.

How many hours is considered part-time work?

A part-time job is working hours that are less than per week compared to a full-time job. Generally, a full-time job is forty hours per week. A part-time job is working less than forty hours per week.
Quid pro quo

When Does Quid Pro Quo Harassment Occur in the Workplace?

Quid pro quo harassment occurs when workplace benefits are tied to sexual favors, exploiting power dynamics. Understand its examples, signs, and preventive measures to ensure a respectful work environment.
What Is Night Differential Pay - Understanding Its Role, Benefits, and Calculation

What Is Night Differential Pay? Understanding Its Role, Benefits, and Calculation

Night differential pay compensates employees for working outside standard hours, offering higher wages for less desirable shifts. It covers benefits, differences from overtime, and calculation methods to support fair compensation.
How Do You Calculate Overtime - Key Methods and Examples Explained

How Do You Calculate Overtime? Key Methods and Examples Explained

Overtime pay under FLSA applies to hourly, salaried, and commission-based employees, with examples reflecting federal and state-specific rules. Calculations include weighted averages, shift differentials, and bonuses, adhering to legal payroll compliance standards.
What Is a Personal Reference and Why It Matters in Job Applications

What Is a Personal Reference and Why It Matters in Job Applications?

Personal references offer valuable insights into your character and abilities beyond professional contexts, helping employers assess your suitability. Discover their importance in enhancing job applications and showcasing soft skills essential for career success.
How Many Hours Are Considered Full-Time for a Job

How Many Hours Are Considered Full-Time for a Job?

Full-time in California typically means 40 hours weekly, but the ACA sets 30 hours as full-time for health insurance eligibility. Understand exempt vs. non-exempt classifications, overtime rules, and state-specific labor protections to ensure compliance.
Do I Have to Disclose My Medical Condition to My Employer to Qualify for FMLA

Do I Have to Disclose My Medical Condition to My Employer to Qualify for FMLA?

Understand your rights under FMLA, including how much medical information you must disclose to your employer and privacy protections. Learn how HIPAA and FMLA work together to safeguard sensitive employee health data during leave requests.
What Does It Mean if Medical Expenses Are Pre-Tax

What Does It Mean if Medical Expenses Are Pre-Tax?

Pre-tax medical expenses lower taxable income, reducing payroll and income taxes, while post-tax plans offer flexibility and itemized deductions. Understanding these distinctions helps optimize financial and health coverage decisions tailored to individual needs.
Can a Job Fire You for Having a Medical Condition

Can a Job Fire You for Having a Medical Condition?

California law protects employees from being fired due to medical conditions with federal safeguards like FMLA and ADA ensuring fairness. Learn about your rights, employer obligations, and potential remedies for wrongful termination or retaliation in medical leave cases.
Can I Use Sick Leave for Doctor’s Appointments

Can I Use Sick Leave for Doctor’s Appointments?

Sick leave can often be used for doctor’s appointments, depending on company policies and employment contracts. Ensure compliance with workplace regulations for planned medical visits.
Can I Be Fired for Refusing to Sign a Written Warning

Can I Be Fired for Refusing to Sign a Written Warning?

Employers can issue write-ups to document performance or misconduct, but signing them is not always mandatory. Know your options and rights when facing disciplinary actions under at-will employment policies.
How Do You Announce an Employee Termination

How Do You Announce an Employee Termination?

Effectively announce employee terminations by addressing team concerns while maintaining respect and privacy. Build morale with transparent, concise communication.
What Are the Sick Time Laws in California

What Are the Sick Time Laws in California?

California's paid sick leave law now mandates up to 5 days annually. Employers can choose from lump sum, statutory, or alternative accrual methods.
Is 32 Hours Considered Full-Time Employment

Is 32 Hours Considered Full-Time Employment?

Understand if working 32 hours per week qualifies as full-time employment in California under labor laws and employer policies. Learn about differences in benefits, ACA requirements, and overtime eligibility for part-time and full-time workers.
Do Employers Have to Pay Out Vacation Time When You Quit

Do Employers Have to Pay Out Vacation Time When You Quit?

California employers must pay unused vacation time upon termination if accrued, as vacation is considered earned wages. Final paychecks must include vacation pay, adhering to state labor laws prohibiting "use-it-or-lose-it" policies.
What Are the Minimum Hours Required to Be Considered Part-Time

What Are the Minimum Hours Required to Be Considered Part-Time?

Understand California's definition of part-time work, eligibility for overtime pay, and benefits for part-time employees under state law. Learn how hourly rules, paid sick leave, and minimum wage laws apply to California's part-time workers.
Minimum Wage in California’s Fast Food Industry for 2024

Minimum Wage in California’s Fast Food Industry for 2024

AB 1228 sets California’s fast food minimum wage at $20/hour starting April 2024, ensuring fair pay and workplace standards. A new Fast Food Council will oversee potential wage increases and industry guidelines.
Employee Rights in California - A Comprehensive Guide

Employee Rights in California: A Comprehensive Guide

Discover essential employee rights in California, including privacy, fair compensation, protection from discrimination, and workplace safety laws. Learn about wrongful termination, meal breaks, overtime pay, and legal steps to protect your employment rights.
California’s Mandatory Breaks - What You Should Know

California’s Mandatory Breaks: What You Should Know

California's mandatory break laws ensure nonexempt workers receive fair meal and rest periods based on shift durations. Employers must adhere to strict requirements, with violations leading to significant penalties and employee rights protections.
Navigating Working Hours Regulations in California

Navigating Working Hours Regulations in California

California defines workdays and workweeks with strict rules on overtime, meal breaks, and rest periods for non-exempt workers. Learn about alternative schedules, exempt classifications, and legal rights to ensure proper compensation and compliance.
Understanding Vacation Time Policies in California

Understanding Vacation Time Policies in California

California employers aren't required to offer paid vacation, but laws govern accrued vacation, payouts, and policies to ensure fairness. Discover how California regulates vacation time, including accrual caps, payout rules, and key employer responsibilities.
Meal Penalties in California - What Employers Need to Know

Meal Penalties in California: What Employers Need to Know

California's meal penalty laws require employers to provide proper meal breaks or face financial consequences. Ensure compliance to avoid hefty penalties and legal complications.