It is one thing to feel as if you do not fit into your workplace very well. For example, trouble connecting with your boss or coworkers can make you feel isolated, but it is no reason to pursue a legal solution.
However, blatant mistreatment or the willful disregard of your employee rights could be something you can resolve with the law. If you are unhappy in your work environment, ensure it is not because your employer or teammates are violating your rights.
Rights of American employees
Under federal law, U.S. employees have many rights, such as being free of harassment and discrimination in the workplace.
Other rights workers in America have include:
- Equal pay for equal labor
- Data privacy and confidentiality
- Reporting workplace misconduct without retaliation
- Reasonable accommodations for disabilities or religious traditions
Every citizen and most immigrants have these rights, but employees in California have even more protections.
State employee rights
Workers here enjoy all the federal rights discussed above, as well as others specific to California. Examples include:
- Better than average family medical leave
- Fair pay for your overtime hours
- Safe jobs and work environments
- Rest breaks every four hours
Legislation like the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the California Labor Code explains your employee rights in greater detail.
Rights of Los Angeles workers
You may not know this, but Los Angeles has several ordinances, including a Minimum Wage Ordinance, that protects the right to fair pay. That means you are entitled to a specific pay rate ($16.78 per hour as of 2023) regardless of the state-based minimum wage.
You need not sacrifice your rights to hold a job. Instead, seek guidance from a legal representative to ensure you remain free of on-the-job mistreatment.