Working in Visalia is usually a productive, fulfilling experience. There are a number of different opportunities for workers throughout the city and surrounding area, all of which can give them stability and purpose. But sometimes, there are circumstances at work that are outside of your control that can have an extremely negative impact on your work environment.
This usually happens when your employer takes illegal or unethical actions in the workplace. Fortunately, California has some of the strongest legal protections in the country for workers. Still, when your workplace rights are violated in Visalia, you will likely need the assistance of an employment lawyer. Thus, it’s important to know how the selection process works and what you’ll need to look for.
Experienced and Knowledgeable Visalia Employment Lawyers
When your legal rights are violated in Visalia, selecting the right lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. That’s why it’s important to choose an experienced and knowledgeable employment lawyer in Visalia who will fight for your rights and help you navigate the complex legal system.
With so many lawyers to choose from, it can be overwhelming to make a decision. At Maison Law, our team will help you seek the justice you deserve. Take the first step and contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation with our team of qualified employment lawyers today.
What Are The Leading Employment Industries in Visalia?
In order to better understand how California’s various employment laws apply to you, it’s helpful to take a look at Visalia’s job market. Because of its location, Visalia is among the state’s leaders in agricultural production but also boasts a diverse economy with a variety of different employment opportunities for workers. These include:
Some of the leading employment industries in Visalia include:
- Agriculture – Agriculture is the backbone of Visalia’s economy, as the city is located in the heart of California’s Central Valley, which is known for its fertile land and ideal climate for agricultural production. The city is known for producing a wide range of crops, including citrus, grapes, nuts, and vegetables, among others. The industry employs a significant number of people in the region
- Healthcare – The healthcare industry is another major employer in Visalia. The city has a number of hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities that offer jobs in fields such as nursing, medical assisting, and administration. Importantly, Visalia’s healthcare industry is growing, and it’s expected to continue expanding due to the increasing demand for healthcare services in the region. The industry provides high-paying jobs and career opportunities for individuals with different skill sets and educational backgrounds.
- Education – Visalia is home to several schools, colleges, and universities, providing a range of employment opportunities in education. The Visalia Unified School District is the largest employer in the city, offering jobs in teaching, administration, and support staff.
- Manufacturing – Because of its location and importance of the agriculture industry, Visalia has a growing manufacturing industry, with companies specializing in various fields such as food processing, plastic products, and electronics. The manufacturing industry in Visalia is known for its innovation and efficiency, and it contributes significantly to the city’s economic growth. The industry provides employment opportunities for individuals with different levels of education and experience, and it’s a critical driver of the region’s prosperity.
- Retail – Like most other cities in California, Visalia’s retail industry is a significant employer, with many shopping centers and stores providing the city’s growing population and increasing disposable income leading to a surge in demand for retail goods and services. This makes it a lucrative industry for job seekers.
Overall, Visalia offers a range of employment opportunities across a variety of these industries, such as:
- Registered Nurse
- Farm Laborer
- Retail Sales Associate
- Teacher
- Production Worker
- Customer Service Representative
- Administrative Assistant
- Licensed Vocational Nurse
- Sales Representative
- Accountant
- Construction Worker
- Food Service Worker
- Office Manager
- Electrician
- Warehouse Worker
How Does California Employment Law Apply To Visalia Workers?
As a city in California, Visalia workers are subject to California state employment laws, which provide certain protections and benefits to employees. Some of the ways that California employment law applies to Visalia workers include:
- Minimum wage and overtime – California state law requires that all employers pay their workers at least the minimum wage, which is currently set at $15.50 per hour. In addition, California law requires that employers pay overtime wages to hourly workers–known as non-exempt employees–who work more than 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week.|
- Meal and rest breaks – California’s Labor Code also requires that employers in Visalia provide their employees with meal and rest breaks during their work shifts. Employees in Visalia are entitled to a 30-minute meal break, and those who work for more than 10 hours in a day are entitled to a second 30-minute meal break. In addition, workers are entitled to a 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked.
- Workplace safety and whistleblower laws – California has strict workplace safety laws designed to protect workers from hazards and ensure a safe working environment. The state’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) is responsible for enforcing workplace safety standards and investigating workplace accidents and injuries. Further, the Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA) prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who report violations of the law or company policies, such as discrimination, harassment, fraud, or unsafe working conditions.
- Anti-discrimination and harassment laws – California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits Visalia employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of their race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, and other protected characteristics. Visalia’s employers are also required to take reasonable action to prevent and deal with workplace discrimination and harassment.
- Workers’ compensation laws – California law requires that employers provide workers’ compensation insurance to their employees, which provides benefits to workers who are injured or become ill as a result of their job duties.
- Family and Medical Leave – Under California’s Family Rights Act (CFRA) and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), eligible employees are entitled to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for themselves or a family member with a serious medical condition, or to bond with a new child.
Overall, these employment laws provide many protections and are one of the biggest benefits of working in Visalia. They ensure that they are treated fairly and that their rights are protected in the workplace. Still, employers violate these laws quite frequently, which means you may need to work with a Visalia employment lawyer.
How To Select A Visalia Employment Lawyer
Obviously, there are a number of different rights and protections you have in the workplace under California law. What this means for you, as an employee in Visalia, is that your employer can violate these rights in a number of different ways. Regardless, the law allows you to take legal action against your employer, usually by filing a complaint with the appropriate state agency and then filing a lawsuit in civil court.
This last step requires the services of a Visalia employment lawyer. At that point, you’ll have to take steps to select the right one for you. This can be somewhat intimidating, given the number of lawyers there are to choose from. Still, there are certain things to look for to select a Visalia employment lawyer:
- Look for a specialist – Employment law is a complex and constantly evolving area of law, especially in California. Thus, you’ll need to look for a lawyer who specializes in employment law and has experience handling cases similar to yours.
- Consider experience – Choose an employment lawyer who has years of experience in the field. An experienced lawyer will have a better understanding of the law, the legal system, and how to navigate complex employment cases.
- Check credentials – Obviously, you’ll need to hire a lawyer who is licensed to practice law in California and is in good standing with the state bar association. The State Bar of California’s website provides a list of lawyers in the state, along with their credentials.
- Read reviews – Like any other selection process, looking for reviews from the firm’s past clients to get a sense of the lawyer’s reputation and track record. You can check online reviews, or ask for references from the lawyer.
- Consider fees – Ask about the lawyer’s fee structure and make sure you understand how you will be charged. Many employment lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they take their fee from whatever result you get in your case.
Obviously, selecting the right employment lawyer can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Take the time to do your research and choose a lawyer who is knowledgeable, experienced, and committed to protecting your rights. Most employment lawyers, including our firm, offer a free initial consultation. You can use this opportunity to ask us questions, get a sense of our firm’s communication style, and see if you feel comfortable working with us.
Contact Our Team of Visalia Employment Lawyers
At Maison Law, our team of experienced and dedicated Visalia employment lawyers can help you through the difficult process of pursuing legal action against your employer. We believe that no worker in Visalia deserves to have their workplace rights violated, and are committed to holding employers accountable and making sure you get the fair treatment you deserve. To get started working with our firm, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
