The Legal Juice

  As an hourly employee in California, you may wonder if your employer is required to give you a raise. California labor laws provide specific guidelines regarding wages and raises for hourly employees. Let's dive into this important topic to understand the rights and obligations of both employees and employers in the Golden State. Hourly Employees in California Hourly employees in California are typically non-exempt employees who are entitled to the state's minimum wage and overtime pay as per the California Labor Code. The current minimum wage in California varies based on the size of the employer and is subject to periodic increases. California Labor Laws on Raises for Hourly Employees At-Will Employment California follows the doctrine of "at-will" employment, which means that in the absence of an employment contract or collective bargaining agreement specifying the terms of employment, employers generally have the right to change an employee's compensation, in...

California is known for its progressive employment laws, particularly in the area of wage and hour regulations. Employers in California are required to adhere to stringent wage and hour laws to ensure fair treatment of employees. Understanding these laws is crucial for both employers and employees to maintain compliance and protect their rights. In this blog, we will explore some key aspects of wage and hour laws in California. Minimum Wage Requirements California has established minimum wage requirements that exceed the federal minimum wage. As of January 1, 2021, the minimum wage in California is $14 per hour for employers with 26 or more employees and $13 per hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees. It's essential for employers to stay updated on any changes to minimum wage rates to avoid non-compliance. Overtime Pay California law mandates that non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay for hours worked beyond 8 hours in a workday or 40 hours in a workweek. Overtim...

Starting a new job can be an exciting and busy time, but it's crucial to take the time to review the documents provided by your employer, especially when they contain an arbitration agreement. In California, understanding the implications of such agreements is essential, as they can impact your rights as an employee. Let's delve into the significance of thoroughly reviewing these documents in accordance with California labor laws. Importance of Reviewing Employment Documents When embarking on a new job, the paperwork provided by the employer often includes various contracts, policies, and agreements. Taking the time to carefully review these documents is essential for several reasons: 1. Understanding Your Rights and Obligations: Employment documents outline the terms and conditions of your employment, including compensation, benefits, and expectations. Reviewing these documents ensures that you understand your rights and obligations as an employee. 2. Legal Protections : By r...

In California, reporting a job injury promptly is crucial for both employees and employers as it ensures that the injured party receives proper medical care and that the incident is appropriately documented in accordance with California law. Failure to report a job injury in a timely manner can lead to complications in receiving workers' compensation benefits and can impact an individual's legal rights. This blog will explore the importance of reporting a job injury right away in California under California law. Understanding California Law on Reporting Job Injuries In California, the law requires employees to report a job injury to their employer as soon as possible after the incident occurs. The California Labor Code stipulates that employees must report their injury within 30 days of the date of injury or the date they became aware of the injury's relation to their employment. Failing to report the injury within this timeframe can result in a loss of workers' compens...

When you purchase a food product, you expect it to be accurately labeled with the correct information regarding its ingredients, nutritional content, and other important details. However, if you find that a food product you've purchased is mislabeled, it's important to understand your rights as a consumer, especially within the context of California laws. Understanding Mislabeling Mislabeling occurs when a food product's label contains false or misleading information. This can include inaccuracies related to the ingredients, nutritional content, allergens, expiration dates, or organic certification. California Laws and Consumer Protection In California, consumers are protected by several laws that govern mislabeling and provide recourse for those who have purchased mislabeled food products. The following are key laws that outline consumers' rights in such situations: 1. California Sherman Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Law This law prohibits the manufacturing, sale, delivery,...

Filing a workers' compensation claim is often a necessary step for employees who have been injured on the job. However, some employees may fear retaliation from their employers for filing such a claim. In California, there are specific laws in place to protect employees from retaliation in the workplace after filing a workers' comp claim. Understanding Retaliation in the Workplace Retaliation in the workplace can take various forms, including termination, demotion, reduction in pay, or hostile behavior from supervisors or coworkers. It is illegal for employers to retaliate against employees for exercising their rights under workers' compensation laws. Protections Under California Law In California, employees are protected from retaliation for filing a workers' compensation claim under Labor Code 132a. This law prohibits employers from discriminating or retaliating against employees who have filed or intend to file a workers' compensation claim, testified in a worker...

Workplace assault is a serious issue that can have a profound impact on the victim's physical and emotional well-being. If you have been assaulted at your workplace in California by someone who is not an employee of your employer, it's important to know your rights and take appropriate action. In this blog, we will discuss the steps you can take to address this situation under California labor laws. Ensure Your Safety The first and most crucial step after experiencing assault at the workplace is to ensure your safety. If you are in immediate danger, remove yourself from the situation and seek help from law enforcement or security personnel. Seek Medical Attention Regardless of the severity of the assault, it's important to seek medical attention. Even if there are no visible injuries, it's possible to have internal injuries or emotional trauma. Documenting your injuries and seeking medical care will also create a record of the incident, which can be valuable if you deci...

As we usher in the new year, there are several new traffic laws that have taken effect in California, aiming to enhance safety on the roads and improve the overall driving experience for residents and visitors. Here are some of the significant changes to be aware of: Use of Street Intersection Cameras for Speeding Violations One important law that took effect on Jan. 1, 2024, is the use of street intersection cameras to apprehend speeding drivers. This new law allows for the use of cameras to catch and fine speeding drivers in addition to those who run red lights. The pilot program will be implemented in six cities: Los Angeles, Glendale, Long Beach, San Jose, Oakland, and San Francisco. Here are the key details of this law: - The pilot program will last for five years or until January 2032, issuing warnings to violators during a 60-day introductory period before imposing fines. - Fines will start at $50 for drivers going at least 11 mph over the speed limit, with the possibility of re...