Yes. In California, a private employer can generally schedule you to work on Thanksgiving. California law does not automatically provide a day off, paid holiday leave, or higher pay solely because you work on the holiday. Your employer must still comply with applicable overtime and break laws, binding workplace agreements, and protections involving religious accommodation, […]
Yes, a California employer can generally terminate an employee before a year-end bonus is paid, but that does not automatically eliminate the employee’s right to the money. California law protects bonuses that qualify as earned wages, while certain bonus agreements may require employees to remain employed until a specified date. The outcome depends on the […]
Yes. In California, your employer can generally deny a holiday vacation request, including a request to use accrued vacation or paid time off (PTO). Employers may set reasonable schedules and restrict vacation during busy periods. California law also does not automatically give private-sector employees Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Day off with pay. Your situation […]
Yes. You may qualify for California workers’ compensation benefits if cold exposure or a winter workplace accident causes an injury or illness that arises out of and occurs in the course of your employment. Qualifying conditions may include hypothermia, frostbite, slip-and-fall injuries, and work-related aggravation of an existing condition. Your eligibility depends on the circumstances […]
Yes. Seasonal employees in California generally receive the same core workplace protections as other employees when they are legally classified as employees. These protections can include minimum wage, overtime for nonexempt work, meal and rest breaks, paid sick leave when eligibility requirements are met, protection from unlawful discrimination and retaliation, workers’ compensation coverage, and final […]
Summary Yes. A Halloween costume can contribute to a workplace harassment claim in California when the costume, related jokes, gestures, images, or conduct target an employee because of a legally protected characteristic. A costume does not automatically become unlawful because someone considers it offensive. The circumstances matter, including what the costume communicated, whether a protected […]
Summary Yes. A California employer can generally schedule you to work on a religious holiday. A religious holiday does not automatically give every employee a legal right to take the day off. Your rights may change when the work schedule conflicts with a sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance. California’s Fair Employment and Housing […]
Deleted or destroyed evidence can affect a California lawsuit when the material was relevant to pending litigation or litigation that was reasonably foreseeable. California courts refer to the destruction, significant alteration, or failure to preserve relevant evidence as spoliation. The legal response depends on facts such as when the preservation duty arose, whether the loss […]
If a workers’ compensation doctor releases you to work before you believe you have recovered, act quickly. Review the written work-status report, document your current symptoms, compare your actual job duties with any medical restrictions, and contact your treating physician if the report does not reflect your condition. If you disagree with the doctor’s opinion […]
Summary Yes. An injury during a work trip may qualify for workers’ compensation in California when the travel is connected to your employment. California Labor Code section 3600 generally requires a compensable injury to arise out of and occur in the course of employment. When your employer sends you away from your usual workplace for […]