VENTURA EMPLOYMENT LAW ATTORNEYS
OFFICES LOCATED IN VENTURA & SANTA MONICA
Employment matters can cost employees their job and businesses their bottom line. We help businesses protect themselves with a comprehensive suite of services that help our clients create, edit and amend employment practices, policies, and regulations to create a workplace where employees can thrive.
We also help employees vindicate their legal rights to be free from harassment, wage and hour violations, retaliation, discrimination, and a hostile work environment. We are proud to protect our client’s rights and ensure they obtain an equitable resolution to their issues.
For Employers:
Our team is focused on protecting you and your business from claims and actions while maximizing employee satisfaction. Our services include:
- Employee Handbook Drafting
- General Consultation Services
- Litigation Defense
- Employment and Separation Agreements
- Internal Investigations
- Sexual Harassment Policies
For Employees:
We handle a wide variety of employment matters for employees, including:
- Wage and Hour Disputes
- Wrongful Termination
- Sexual Harassment
- Hostile Work Environment
- Retaliation
- Whistleblower Actions
Workplace Discrimination Laws in CA
California has a number of laws that protect against workplace discrimination. The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) is the primary law governing workplace discrimination in California. This law makes it illegal to discriminate on the basis of:
- Race
- Religion
- Gender
- Age
- Sexual orientation
- Other protected characteristics
- Employers must provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities and special needs
In addition to FEHA, California laws also prohibit employers from discriminating based on:
- Military or veteran status
- Marital status
- National origin
- Medical condition
Employers are also prohibited from retaliating against employees who report discriminatory acts or make complaints about discrimination in the workplace.
Employers can be held liable for any unlawful discriminatory practices they engage in and penalties may include financial damages as well as civil fines. Employees who feel they’ve been discriminated against in the workplace have the right to file a complaint with relevant state agencies such as the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH).
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Sexual harassment in the workplace is defined as any unwanted physical, verbal or nonverbal behavior of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment. It is illegal under California law and can lead to legal repercussions for those found guilty of such behavior.
Common examples of sexual harassment in California include:
- Making lewd comments
- Telling jokes or stories of a sexual nature
- Engaging in inappropriate physical contact such as touching or brushing against another person’s body
- Sharing emails, images or videos which are sexually explicit
- Making repeated requests for dates or other romantic gestures despite being rebuffed
- Making unwelcome advances or propositions to colleagues
If you would like to speak to an attorney concerning an employment law issue, please contact us today.