Knowing you are being taken advantage of in the workplace can make going to work uncomfortable and unpleasant. We all want to walk into a safe and healthy work environment where we can thrive. What do you do when you know you are being taken advantage of by your employer? Our Los Angeles employment law team outlines the ways an employer might take advantage of you and what you can do to put a stop to it and protect your rights.
You Are Protected
There are laws and regulations that protect California employees from being taken advantage of regarding wages, workplace safety, benefits, and discrimination. Let's explore three common ways an employer may take advantage of employees and the protections you're guaranteed.
Wage-Theft
California Law Code 510 requires non-exempt employees to earn one-and-a-half times their standard rate of pay if they work:
- More than eight hours in a workday,
- More than forty hours in a workweek, or
- More than six consecutive days in a workweek.
If an employer fails to pay you for your overtime work, you are a victim of wage theft.
Meal Break Obligation
A "Meal Break" is an unpaid 30 minutes period provided to employees to spend on personal business. It is illegal for employers to tamper with your 30-minute break. California Labor Law Code 512 makes it unlawful for an employer to;
- Discourage or impede employees from taking meal breaks
- Incentives to skip meal breaks
- not provide the opportunity for an uninterrupted, 30-minute break
Unsafe Work
The California Labor Code 6311 allows you to refuse to perform unsafe work if it violates Cal/OSHA standards. If your duties or workplace have the potential to be hazardous to your person, inform your supervisor immediately and allow the company the opportunity to correct it. If the issue is not fixed, submit your refusal to work, preferably in writing. Lastly, file a complaint with OSHA detailing the situation.
If you suspect you have been taken advantage of in the workplace, It is highly recommended you seek legal counsel. You may have grounds to file a lawsuit and get compensated for damages. An experienced employment lawyer will assess your situation and assist you through your case.
Your Next Step
Realizing you have been taken advantage of in the workplace can be heart-wrenching. At Southern California Labor Law Group PC, our skilled employment law team will guide you every step of the way to ensure you are fairly compensated and protected.
To get a free consultation, call today at (424) 306-1515.
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