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Pregnancy at Work: What California Law Says About Your Right to Reasonable Accommodations
Pregnancy is not an illness. It is not a weakness. And under California law, it is certainly not a reason to be pushed out of your job, denied support, or penalized for requesting help. Yet many pregnant employees still face confusion, fear, and workplace friction when they ask for basic accommodations. If you are…
A $185 Million Verdict Speaks Volumes: California Must Take Pregnancy Discrimination Seriously
When a jury lands a staggering $185 million punitive award against a national retailer, it is not just about one woman’s fight. It is a resounding message that California protects pregnant workers and will punish those who defy the law. In Juarez v. AutoZone, a federal jury in San Diego found that Rosario Juarez…
Fired After Getting Sick? Why That Could Be Illegal in California
A serious medical diagnosis changes everything. It alters your routines, affects your energy, and often requires doctor appointments, treatments, or lifestyle adjustments. But one thing it should not do, at least under California law, is cost you your job. Yet, for many workers across the state, that is exactly what happens. An employee informs…
Understanding California AB 2602 and Your Protection From AI Misuse at Work
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more integrated into modern employment practices, it also introduces new legal and ethical challenges, particularly around privacy and the use of digital likenesses. In response, California enacted Assembly Bill 2602 (AB 2602), effective January 1, 2025, to address these concerns head-on. The law marks a critical step in protecting…
AI in the Workplace: Legal and Ethical Considerations for Employers and Employees
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the modern workplace. From automated resume screening to performance tracking software, AI is quickly becoming a key tool in hiring, managing, and evaluating employees. But as these tools become more common, they also raise serious questions about fairness, privacy, and compliance. Are decisions made by algorithms really unbiased? Can…
Navigating the Legal and Personal Implications of Recent Federal Workforce Reductions
The recent wave of mass layoffs within the federal government has ignited complex legal debates and profoundly affected the lives of thousands of employees. These developments have prompted scrutiny regarding their legality, the immediate impact on those dismissed, and the broader, long-term consequences for public service and governance. Legal Framework and Challenges The Worker…
Non-Compete Agreements: Why California is (Still) Leading the Charge
If you’re an employee in California, you might be surprised to learn just how protected you are when it comes to non-compete agreements. In fact, California has long been the rebel in the room, banning most non-competes outright while the rest of the country largely went along with them. Now, the Federal Trade Commission…
DEI Under Fire: What the Federal Contractor Crackdown Means for Employees
Recent moves by the federal government have signaled a dramatic shift in how workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs are being viewed—especially among federal contractors. If you’re an employee working for a company that holds government contracts, these developments could directly affect your rights and the protections you rely on in the workplace….
One Word, Big Consequences: Why the Bailey v. SF District Attorney’s Office Case Changes Workplace Harassment Law in California
How much does one work really matter? In Bailey v. San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, the California Supreme Court made a powerful statement: a single racial epithet can be enough to create a hostile work environment under California law. This ruling challenges long-standing beliefs that workplace harassment must be frequent or ongoing to be…
Understanding Your Rights: Protections for Pregnant Employees in California
Navigating the workplace during pregnancy can be challenging, but California law offers robust protections to ensure your health, safety, and job security. Whether you need time off for medical reasons, accommodations to keep working safely, or protection from discrimination, state and federal laws ensure that you are treated fairly. However, many workers are unaware…