If you are an employee in California, you should be aware of your legal rights. According to the law, every employee in California has the same legal rights. These rights usually involve:
- The right to earn wages
- Working hours
- Protection against discrimination
- The right to work in a healthy and safe working environment
- The right to be treated fairly and equally
Most employees are not aware of their legal rights. They believe that they are here to work and get paid, and most of them do not even inquire about their rights until they find themselves in a problem. Most problems occur due to:
- Discrimination
- Retaliation
- Abuse
- Wage-cut
- Refusing to pay for the employee’s services
Once problems occur, the only way around them is with legal help. Do not think about how expensive it is to hire an attorney; instead, think about how much you will obtain by hiring an attorney. Yes, you will actually make money and be able to pay the attorney and have extra for yourself. This is done with a successful claim against your employer. Continue reading to learn more about your legal rights.
The Basic Rights
Every employee has the right to work no more than 8 hours a day, or 40 hours a week. Every hour past the 40th is paid as overtime work at a rate of 150 percent of the original hourly wage. At the same time, all employees are entitled to a 30-minute uninterrupted meal break for every 30 hours of work performed for the employer.
Many employers ask their employees to clock out for a meal break, and this is usually against the law. If your employer is asking you to do the same, consult with the Los Angeles Employment Attorneys and see whether or not your rights are being violated.
Also, if working for the same employer for more than 30 days, you have the right to a paid sick leave. However, the amount of time that you can receive is usually predetermined. Basically, expect to have no more than 48 hours (6 workdays) of paid leave.
Remember that these are general rights, and are subject to change. However, every employee should know their legal rights and act if an employer tries to abuse their power.
*Note: If you had the right to use sick leave time, but did not do so, you cannot transfer it to the next work year, nor get paid for it at the end of your work year.
If your employer does not provide you with a 48 hour paid sick leave, you have the right to file a claim. Consult with the Employment Attorneys in Los Angeles and file a claim against your employer. If your claim is a success, you will receive a certain sum of money that will serve as compensation for the problems that you endured, as well as any missing wages or pay that you did not receive and you should have.
COMMENTS