Pasadena Employment Lawyer

The workplace should be a safe environment for employees, but some are toxic and characterized by discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. These actions violate your rights as an employee and the state labor laws. If you experience such in Pasadena, California, call the Manukyan Law Firm to explore your legal options. The employment laws can be confusing, and working with an experienced attorney will help you understand your rights and establish if your employment litigation case is valid

Discrimination (Pregnancy and Disability) Cases

As an employee in Pasadena, the following federal laws protect you from discrimination based on pregnancy and disability:

• The California Family Rights Act (CFRA)
• Pregnancy Disability Leave under CPDA
• The Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

After childbirth, the CFRA and FMLA grant you the right to up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for your child. Our attorney will educate you on your rights and the limitations to ensure your employer does not take advantage of you. Also, after childbirth, you have an additional four months of leave under the CPDA for the periods you are incapacitated due to pregnancy or childbirth.
As a pregnant employee, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) protects you against discrimination. This Act mandates your employer to treat women affected by pregnancy and related conditions equally as other employees or applicants with similar abilities. Hence, you can file an employment lawsuit based on the following actions of your employer:

• Refusal to hire due to perceived race, pregnancy, or disability
• Denial of promotion even when you are more qualified
• Exclusion from opportunities
• Denial of equal pay or benefits
• Denial of needed aid
• Exclusion from serving on boards or committees
• Terminating employment due to pregnancy or disability, even though it does not affect your work performance.
• Delay of pay rise until you return to work from maternity leave

Wage and Hour Cases

As an employee working in Pasadena, you are entitled to compensation. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), one of the labor laws in the U.S., governs minimum wage, meal breaks, and overtime. Employers must abide by the requirements of these laws and compensate their employees accordingly.
As an employee, you are also entitled to overtime pay if you work more than eight hours a day. As of 1st January 2023, the minimum wage in California stood at $15.50 per hour. If your employer fails to pay your minimum wage, this could be a form of wage theft or ignorance of the law, and you should contact a Pasadena Manukyan Law Firm employment attorney for assistance.
Another way that employers use to deny your wage and hour rights is through misclassification as exempt when you are a non-exempt employee. An employer may also misclassify you as an independent contractor to get around the wage and hour laws. If you suspect this is the case, contact our Pasadena employment attorney, and we will educate you on your rights to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Wrongful Termination Cases

Your employer can fire you for illegal reasons, in which case you qualify for a wrongful termination lawsuit. These reasons include the following:

• Retaliation
• Discrimination
• Whistleblowing

If you lose your job in California for any of the above unfair reasons, then you have legal recourse. While your employer can terminate you anytime, especially if you are an at-will employee, they are liable for your damages if they violate the implied contract or public policy. You will have the right to seek compensation for your damages.
The damages in case of wrongful termination will vary, and our Manukyan Law Firm attorney will look into your case facts to prove that your employer was in the wrong. Among the damages you can recover with a successful claim include the following:

• Lost and unpaid earnings
• Lost and unpaid benefits
• Compensation for emotional distress
• Legal costs incurred
• Punitive damages due to your employer’s unlawful conduct

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is a growing problem, yet many individuals do not often report it. As an employee, you should be aware of the boundaries of sexual harassment at the workplace, which include:

• Sexual advances
• Request for sexual favors
• Vulgar comments on your perceived or actual sexual orientation
• Inappropriate touch, such as kissing, hugging, and spanking

While in the past, sexual harassment was mostly against women, men are not exempted in today’s world. Hence, if you experience harassment at your workplace, document everything and contact a Manukyan Law Firm attorney for representation.

Can I Sue My Employer and Remain Employed?

Most employers will not fire you in retaliation if you sue them for violating your rights. However, since employment litigation can have its share of consequences depending on your approach, you should consult an attorney if options like speaking to the management are futile. While pursuing claims through an attorney, arm yourself with adequate evidence, including text messages, emails, and potential witnesses.

How Can a Manukyan Law Firm Attorney Help You?

While the workplace should be conducive for everyone regardless of gender, some companies ignore or exploit their employees’ rights by failing to adhere to employment laws. If you feel your employer or coworker is violating your rights, document everything and liaise with our Pasadena, Manukyan Law Firm attorney for help. With years of experience representing employees with all employment issues, we will investigate your case, help with your litigation claim, and ensure your comfort at your workplace. Call us today to schedule your appointment. Please contact our Glendale Employment Lawyers for more legal assistance at Manukyan Law Firm.