Many of us started working while we were adolescents. No one ever sat us down and explained our rights to us in most circumstances. Because employment law is so complicated, it can be difficult for the typical employee to determine if their employer’s actions are lawful or not.
Understanding your rights is critical to defending them, as a California employment lawyer can explain. In this piece, we’ll debunk some prevalent employment legal misconceptions in California. Contact PLBH at (800) 435-7542 if you require a consultation regarding any of these issues.
Myth: Harassment in the workplace is always illegal
It is much too common to be bullied or harassed at work. However, just because you were treated unjustly does not indicate the action was unlawful. Only harassment based on a person’s membership in a protected class is protected under California and federal law. In other words, unless they were harassed or bullied because of their color, handicap, religion, national origin, or age, one of the more protected classifications.
Myth: My boss can’t fire me unless there’s a good reason.
California is a “take it or leave it” state. As a result, companies are free to terminate practically any employee for whatever reason they see fit, as long as the cause isn’t illegal. There are several exceptions, such as if the employee has a contract, is a member of a union, or works for the government. Employers, on the other hand, are free to terminate a person’s job for nearly any cause.
Myth: Sexual Harassment Laws Are Only Designed to Protect Women
Men can be sexually harassed at work, despite the fact that women file the majority of sexual harassment charges. All workplace harassment is illegal under federal and state law, regardless of the employee’s gender or sex. Both same-gender and opposite-gender sexual harassment are possible.
Myth: Firing people because of their age is always illegal.
Both California and federal law prohibit age discrimination. These restrictions, however, only apply to those above the age of 40. If an employer terminates someone under the age of 40 because of their age, they are unlikely to have done so illegally.
Because employment law is complex, there may be exceptions to these broad guidelines. For example, you could believe that your termination was legitimate since your boss didn’t mention anything about you being fired because of your race. A California employment lawyer, on the other hand, may be able to spot trends that demonstrate your layoff was racially motivated. If you’re unsure if your employer acted illegally, it could be worth your time to speak with an expert lawyer who can listen to your tale, explain your legal rights, and walk you through your choices for filing a lawsuit.
Our legal team at PLBH has extensive knowledge in all facets of California employment law. We are zealous champions for our clients, and we will do all we can to ensure that you get the best possible result. Contact our law company immediately at (800) 435-7542 to learn more or to book a consultation with a California employment lawyer.