Do you need an employment lawyer in Monterey?

California is an “at-will” state, which means employers can generally terminate a worker’s employment for any reason. However, they cannot terminate your employment for a discriminatory reason. This would be considered wrongful termination. 

If your employer fired you because of your age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, religion, race, ethnicity, or any other protected characteristic, you may be able to seek unpaid wages and other damages from them. You can also hold an employer accountable for firing you in retaliation, such as after you reported a hostile work environment or an instance of employment discrimination.  

If you were fired unfairly, talk to our wrongful termination lawyers in Monterey about whether you have a case. 

As an employee, you have the right to make at least minimum wage and receive the previously agreed-upon wages from your employer. Any of the following may be grounds for a wage dispute:

■  Failing to pay out overtime pay
■  Paying less than minimum wage
■  Failing to provide a worker’s paycheck in a timely manner
■  Withholding pay for any reason

If you believe you are the victim of wage theft, contact our wage dispute lawyers in Monterey for assistance. 

California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act protects workers against discrimination based on a range of factors, such as age, sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability, and more. If an employer has treated you unfairly due to any of these characteristics, you may have the right to pursue an employment discrimination case. Unfair treatment may look like: 

■  Denying you a job because of your sex or race
■  Paying you less than another worker in a similar position because of your gender
■  Making a promotion decision based on a person’s race
■  Failing to make reasonable accommodations for a worker with a disability

You also have the right to work in an environment free from harassment. This involves any unwelcome conduct based on the characteristics above. For example, you should never have to endure offensive jokes or slurs at work. 

Our workplace harassment attorneys can help you fight back against harassment and discrimination and create a safe work environment for all. 

Retaliation occurs when an employer takes a negative action against you for reporting wrongful behavior or otherwise acting within your rights. For example, whistleblower retaliation happens when you are demoted or fired after exposing unethical practices within your organization. 

As an employee, you have the right to report wrongful behavior without fearing negative consequences. If your employer has retaliated against you, speak with our Monterey labor rights lawyers about your opportunity for a retaliation claim. 

In California, eligible employees are permitted to take a 12-week leave of absence under the California Family Rights Act.

This act applies to employees who have worked for the employer for at least 12 months and worked at least 1,250 hours in the last 12-month period. They can take this leave to provide care to a sick family member, bond with a new child, recover from pregnancy or another debilitating condition, or meet the needs of a family member deployed on active duty. 

If your employer is denying your leave of absence or has refused to hold your employment during a previously accepted leave of absence, seek legal counsel from our employment lawyers in Monterey, CA. 

We handle a variety of other workplace-related legal issues. Call or fill our form to request a FREE consultation with an expert.