San Francisco Employment Lawyers

San Francisco Employment Lawyers

Each state can set out its own employment laws, and California has some of the most pro-employee laws in the United States. The California Labor Code, anti-discrimination laws, and employee leave laws are all generous, and these are in addition to employment laws enacted and enforced by the federal government. Unfortunately, these provisions do not mean that employers always comply with the law. 

Employers can violate the rights of their employees in many contexts, and all of them can cause harm to employees, whether it is financial, emotional, or otherwise. If you believe that your employer acted unlawfully and violated your rights, your first step should be to contact San Francisco employment lawyers who can help. 

Common Employment Cases

There are many complaints that employees might have when it comes to unlawful conduct of their employers. Our law firm has experience in all types of employment matters, and below are only some of the many cases we regularly handle. 

Employment Discrimination

The law prohibits employment discrimination based on:

• Sex and gender
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity or expression
• Race and color
• National origin or ancestry
• Pregnancy
• Marital status
• Disability or medical condition
• Age
• Religion

Employers may not base employment decisions on any of the above-protected factors or treat employees unfairly for being a member of a protected class. 

Sexual Harassment or Assault

Harassment based on any protected factors is unlawful, though sexual harassment is the most regularly reported type of workplace harassment. Whether it is a boss or a coworker, people at work can engage in sexual harassment that involves quid pro quo tactics (placing a job on the line in exchange for sexual favors) or a hostile work environment. Whether offensive conduct involves words or physical assault, it is important to take action and file a complaint. 

Whistleblower/Retaliation

Employees have the right to complain of unlawful conduct of their employer, and they should not suffer employment consequences for doing so. Employers may not retaliate against whistleblowers or any employee who complains of discrimination, harassment, or other violative conduct. 

Wrongful Termination

Sometimes, discrimination or retaliation can take extreme forms and lead to an employee’s unlawful termination. If your employer fired you for an unlawful reason, for a reason that violates public policy, or in violation of an employment contract, you have important legal rights. 

Wage and Hour Issues

Every company should prioritize compliance with wage and hour laws, which are strict in California. However, employers continually commit violations involving:

• Minimum wage
• Overtime
• Meal and rest breaks
• Paid sick time
• Final paychecks

Retirement Benefits/ERISA

It can be a perk for an employer to offer a nice benefits package, including insurance coverage and retirement plans, which are governed by ERISA. While ERISA is supposed to protect employees, there are many ways that employers, insurance companies, and plan administrators can act against the interests of employees. 

Consult with Our San Francisco Employment Lawyers Today

If you have any type of employment concerns, the San Francisco employment lawyers of Olivier & Schreiber P.C. are ready to help. Contact us so we can evaluate your rights and options.