Turlock Labor and Employment Lawyers

Working anywhere in California has both perks and challenges, with a variety of factors contributing to the nature of employer-employee relationships in the state. Being the country’s most populous state, combined with a diverse job market, means that there is ample opportunity for both workers and companies to contribute to the overall economy. These conditions are especially present in Turlock. With a population of approximately 74,000 people, Turlock offers a small-town feel with access to big-city amenities, along with a thriving economy and numerous job opportunities in various industries. But working in Turlock can also present challenges. There is no bigger challenge for a worker than when their employer begins treating them in a way that violates their rights. Whether it be a hostile work environment, discrimination, or simply refusing to pay them correctly, there are a number of ways in which a Turlock employer can break the law. When this happens, you need experience and knowledge to turn to.

Free Consultations For Turlock Workers

At Maison Law, our experienced California employment lawyers are dedicated to providing top-quality legal representation to workers in Turlock and the surrounding area. With years of experience, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you navigate complex employment laws and achieve the best possible outcome for your case. More importantly, we are here to provide you with the support and validation it takes to hold your employer accountable. We strongly believe that every worker in Turlock deserves to be treated fairly, and we can make sure that happens. If you believe your workplace rights have been violated, contact us today for a free consultation.

What Are California’s Employment Laws?

Turlock, like every other city in California, offers certain legal protections to its workers. These protections, codified in the California Labor Code, are designed to make sure every employee in the state is provided with a baseline of fair treatment in their particular workplace. Going a step further, California has some of the most comprehensive employment laws in the country, including laws that cover the following areas:

• Discrimination and Harassment
• Wage and Hour Disputes
• Wrongful Termination
• Employment Contracts
• Privacy Rights

While these are some of the main areas of California employment law, these do not cover the full range of legal options for workers in Turlock. In fact, Turlock’s diverse economy employs thousands of workers in a number of different industries, each with its own unique workplace. Some of the leading employment industries in Turlock include:  

• Agriculture – Turlock is located in the heart of California’s Central Valley, which is known for its fertile farmland.

 

• Agriculture is a significant industry in the area, and many jobs are available in farming, food processing, and distribution.

 

• Manufacturing – Given its resources, Turlock has a variety of manufacturing industries, including food processing, metal fabrication, and electronics manufacturing. These industries provide employment opportunities for factory workers, engineers, and other skilled professionals.
• Healthcare – Like many other areas, Turlock has several hospitals and medical centers, including Emanuel Medical Center, which is one of the city’s largest employers. This provides opportunities for medical professionals in all disciplines.
• Hospitality and tourism – Because of its weather and location, Turlock is a popular destination for visitors, especially during the summer months. This has created employment opportunities for workers in the hospitality and tourism industries, including hotels, restaurants, and recreational facilities.
• Education – California State University, Stanislaus is located in Turlock and employs a significant number of faculty and staff.|
• Transportation and Logistics – Turlock is located near major transportation routes, including Highway 99 and Interstate 5, and is home to a number of trucking and logistics companies.
• Government – The city of Turlock and Stanislaus County employ a number of workers in various departments, including public safety, administration, and public works.

No matter what Turlock industry you’re employed in, simply being a citizen of California provides you with several protections in the workplace. While it can be a bit intimidating, facing unfair and illegal treatment in the workplace by anyone, including your employer, means that you have the ability to hold them accountable. In order to do that, it may be helpful to understand what California’s employment laws are and how they apply to your particular situation.

How Do California’s Employment Laws Apply To Working in Turlock?

Like every other city in California, Turlock workers have the protection of the law when their workplace rights are violated. But unfortunately, sometimes employment law can be complex and confusing, especially when you consider the sheer number of different workplaces that make up the city’s employment sector. Still, these laws apply to every employee in Turlock and across the state.

Wage and Hour Laws

California has various wage and hour protections to ensure that employees are fairly compensated for their work and to prevent employers from taking advantage of them. These protections are intended to help ensure that employees are not exploited and that they receive a fair wage for their work. Among these laws, the following applies to every worker in Turlock:

• Minimum Wage – A huge perk of working in California is that the minimum wage is higher than the federal minimum wage. As of January 1, 2023, the minimum wage in California is $15.50 per hour.
• Overtime – Non-exempt, also known as hourly, employees who work more than eight hours in a day or 40 hours in a week must be paid overtime, which is one and a half times their regular rate of pay.
• Meal and Rest Breaks – California law requires employers to provide non-exempt employees with meal and rest breaks. Employees who work more than five hours in a day are entitled to a 30-minute meal break, and those who work more than ten hours in a day are entitled to a second 30-minute meal break. Employees are also entitled to a 10-minute rest break for every four hours worked.
• Final Paychecks – When an employee’s employment is terminated, the employer must provide the employee with their final paycheck immediately or within a specified timeframe, depending on the circumstances of the termination.

In addition to these protections, employers must also provide workers with workers’ compensation insurance and are legally required to properly classify their workers correctly.

Discrimination and Harassment

California law, like federal law, prohibits discrimination and harassment in the workplace based on protected characteristics, such as:

• Race
• Color
• Ancestry
• National origin
• Religion
• Age (over 40)
• Disability (mental or physical)
• Sex (including pregnancy and childbirth)
• Gender identity and gender expression
• Sexual orientation
• Medical condition
• Genetic information
• Marital status
• Military and veteran status

Under the Fair Employment and Housing Act, it is also illegal for employers to discriminate or harass employees or job applicants based on any of the protected characteristics listed above. Employers are also required to make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities and to prevent and address harassment in the workplace.

Working Conditions

Every Turlock worker is also entitled to safe working conditions. In order to achieve this, California has numerous laws and regulations in place to protect workers’ rights and ensure safe and fair working conditions. California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) sets and enforces workplace safety regulations, with employers being required to provide a safe working environment and to train employees on workplace hazards and safety procedures. While the FEHA offers some protection to employees that report unsafe conditions, the main law that provides complete protection for these workers is the Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA). Under the WPA, employees are protected when they:

• Reporting safety violations or unsafe working conditions
• Reporting illegal activity or violations of regulations
• Reporting fraud or embezzlement
• Reporting discrimination or harassment
• Reporting environmental violations
• Reporting governmental violations

Right to Privacy

In California, workers have a general right to privacy, even in the workplace. The Labor Code outlines several of these protections, which include: California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) – This law provides you and other workers with the right to know what personal information businesses collect about you, the right to have that information deleted, and the right to opt-out of the sale of their personal information. This law applies to California workers, meaning they have the right to know what personal information their employers collect about them and how it is used. California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA) – This law protects the privacy of your medical information. Employers are required to keep medical information confidential and cannot disclose it without your consent unless otherwise required by law.

Filing a Claim For Employment Law Violations in Turlock

When you believe your workplace rights have been violated by your employer, there are several options for bringing a claim against them. There’s no legal requirement that says you have to hire a lawyer in California, but it would be in your best interest to do so. Working with our team of experienced California employment lawyers can walk you through the claims process, which typically includes the following steps:

• Document the violations – Keep detailed records of any violations you believe have occurred, including dates, times, and specific incidents. This information will be helpful in making your case.
• File a complaint with your employer – Before taking legal action, you may want to try resolving the issue with your employer first. This can involve filing a complaint with the human resources department or speaking with your supervisor.
• File a claim with administrative agencies – If you are unable to resolve the issue with your employer, you may want to file a claim with a government agency such as the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE), the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
• Consider filing a lawsuit – If your claim is not resolved through the government agency, you may want to consider filing a lawsuit against your employer. You will need to work with our team to file the lawsuit and pursue your case in court. A successful claim can recover damages like lost wages and costs related to your emotional distress and loss of dignity.

It’s important to note that the process for filing a claim for employment law violations can be complex, and the specific steps you need to take will depend on the nature of the violation and the circumstances of your case. Another important aspect of a claim is the statute of limitations, or deadline by which you can file your claim in court. In California, the statute of limitations depends on the type of claim, ranging from two years for wrongful termination to three years for a wage and hour violation. Consulting with our lawyers can help you determine exactly what type of claim you have and what the statute of limitations is.

Contact Maison Law For a Free Consultation

When you go to work in California, you have the right to do so without being discriminated against, harassed by, or treated unfairly by your employer. It’s a simple task, yet California employers choose to violate the law every day. Don’t let that happen to you. If you believe that your employer has violated your rights or other areas of California employment law, contact us today for a free consultation.