Both the EEOC and the DFEH exist to protect employees from workplace discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. The EEOC enforces federal laws, while the DFEH enforces California’s stronger and more expansive state laws.  What Is the EEOC? The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a federal agency responsible for enforcing federal workplace discrimination laws. It...

California has strengthened employee protections with the Worker Freedom from Employer Intimidation Act, which took effect on January 1, 2024. This law gives workers the right to refuse participation in certain employer meetings, often called “captive audience meetings,” without fear of retaliation.  If you have been retaliated against by your employer for refusing to...

California’s meal and rest break rules provide strong protections, but interstate truck drivers face federal preemption under FMCSA regulations. Preemption means that when federal and state laws conflict, the federal law overrides the state law. As a result, most drivers who cross state lines must rely on federal rules, not California’s laws.  Learn more...

Predictive scheduling laws protect workers from last-minute schedule changes that disrupt their lives and reduce their income. These rules apply most often in industries where employees face unstable hours, such as retail, hospitality, and food service. In California, predictive scheduling is not yet a statewide mandate, but several cities have enacted strong local ordinances. ...

California’s health care worker minimum wage law sets a new standard for industry-specific wage protection. It ensures that essential workers—from nurses to food service employees—receive fair pay while supporting retention in an industry facing staffing shortages.  If you are a California health care worker receiving unfair wages, contact our Orange County wage and hour...