FAQs: EMPLOYMENT LAWS
Hours of work and pay
Is the dispute over your hours of work or your pay? If you work in the private (non-governmental) sector there are many California laws, along with some federal laws, that may apply:
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Minimum wage (also applies in public, i.e., governmental sector)
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Overtime pay (including specific requirements for domestic workers; also applies in public sector)
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Time and place of payment while employed
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Payment of wages upon termination or resignation
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Paycheck statements
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Deductions from pay
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Meal and rest periods
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Lactation accommodation (also applies in public sector)
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One days rest in seven
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Right to inspect personnel files
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Misclassification as independent contractor
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Employer recordkeeping
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Employer posting requirements
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Employer notice requirements
If you work in San Francisco there are laws regarding (1) minimum wage (also in other cities), (2) health care spending on employees; (3) the right to request flexible hours; (4) employer review of applicants’ arrest and conviction records; and (5) for employees in certain retail stores, work schedules and offers of pay and additional work to part-time employees.
Leaves of absence
Does the issue concern a leave of absence? There are several laws that may apply:
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Family and medical leave
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Pregnancy disability leave
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Sick leave to attend the illness of a family member
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Sick leave
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Military leave
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Paid parental leave
Discrimination and wrongful termination
Do you question your employer’s reason for a decision it made about you? California or federal law, or both, prohibit certain employers from making decisions based on:
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Race
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Color
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Ancestry
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Nation origin
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Religion
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Sex/Gender
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Gender identity or expression
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Sexual orientation
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Marital status
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Pregnancy
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Disability
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Medical condition
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Age
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Genetic information
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Military/veteran status
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Reporting unlawful or other improper conduct (whistle-blower)
In addition, there are laws that apply to the following situations:
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Harassment
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Disability accommodation
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Religious accommodation
Finally, you may have a claim for:
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Breach of contract not to terminate except for good cause
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Defamation
*This page concerns San Francisco, California, and federal law, but not all laws and claims that may exist.