Pay Transparency Law in 2026: What Employees and Job Applicants Should Know
Pay Transparency Law in 2026: What Employees and Job Applicants Should Know The California pay transparency law in 2026 gives job applicants and current employees important rights to salary information. Covered employers must disclose pay scales in job postings, applicants can request the range for positions they are applying for, and employees can request the […]
Lactation Accommodation at Work in California: Breaks, Privacy, and Employee Rights
Lactation Accommodation at Work in California: Breaks, Privacy, and Employee Rights California employees who need to express breast milk at work have specific workplace protections. Lactation accommodation California Law generally requires employers to provide reasonable break time whenever an employee needs to pump and a private, compliant location that is not a bathroom.The employer also […]
Reproductive Loss Leave in California: Rights After Miscarriage, Stillbirth, or Failed Adoption
Reproductive Loss Leave in California: Rights After Miscarriage, Stillbirth, or Failed Adoption California employees do not necessarily have to return to work immediately after a miscarriage, stillbirth, failed adoption, failed surrogacy, or unsuccessful assisted reproduction. Reproductive loss leave in California gives eligible employees up to five days of job-protected leave following a qualifying loss. The […]
Severance Agreements: What Employees Should Review Before Signing
Severance Agreements: What Employees Should Review Before Signing A California severance agreement can provide money or benefits after employment ends, but it often requires the employee to release valuable legal claims in return. Before signing, review the payment amount, final wages, claims being waived, confidentiality language, deadlines, benefits, and the circumstances surrounding your termination. Do […]
Can You Request Your Personnel File in California? Employee Rights Under Labor Code 1198.5
Can You Request Your Personnel File in California? Employee Rights Under Labor Code 1198.5 Yes. Current and former California employees generally have the right under Labor Code §1198.5 to inspect and receive copies of personnel records relating to their performance or workplace grievances. A California personnel file request generally must be made in writing, and […]
Put on a Performance Improvement Plan? When a PIP May Be Retaliation
Put on a Performance Improvement Plan? When a PIP May Be Retaliation Being placed on a performance improvement plan in California is not automatically illegal. Employers generally can document genuine performance problems and establish expectations for improvement. But a PIP may raise retaliation concerns when it suddenly appears after an employee complains to HR, reports […]
Pay Stub Violations: What Must Your Wage Statement Include?
Pay Stub Violations: What Must Your Wage Statement Include? California employees generally must receive an accurate itemized wage statement when they are paid. A pay stub is more than a record of your net paycheck; it can help you verify whether your employer correctly reported your hours, rates, deductions, overtime, and other compensation. Under California […]
What Happens If Your Final Paycheck Is Late in California?
What Happens If Your Final Paycheck Is Late in California? Under California final paycheck Law, employees generally do not have to wait until the next regular payday after their employment ends. If you are fired, your earned final wages generally must be paid at termination. If you quit, the deadline depends largely on whether you […]
What Should You Do Before Reporting Sexual Harassment to HR?
What Should You Do Before Reporting Sexual Harassment to HR? Before you report sexual harassment to HR, document what happened, preserve relevant evidence, identify witnesses, review your employer’s harassment policy, and prepare a clear written account of the conduct. You do not need perfect evidence before reporting harassment, but organized records can help establish what […]
California Regular Rate: Bonuses and Commissions Must Be Included
California Regular Rate: Bonuses and Commissions Must Be Included Your California overtime rate may be higher than 1.5 times your basic hourly wage. For non-exempt employees, the California regular rate can include qualifying bonuses, commissions, shift differentials, piece-rate earnings, and other compensation. If an employer leaves these earnings out, overtime and meal or rest break […]