California football fans may be interested in the ongoing legal battle between the Oakland Raiders organization and their cheerleaders. The cheerleaders, called the Raiderettes, had filed a lawsuit against the franchise over wages, which resulted in a settlement of $1.25 million to be divided among 90 cheerleaders. On Jan. 26, one cheerleader filed a new lawsuit with a new allegation against the team.
Man files sexual harassment suit in California
A man who worked for AutoZone in its Chula Vista store in 2010 is suing his former employer for sexual harassment. The man claims that his male supervisor slapped him on the buttocks and would not stop after he told the supervisor that the touching made him feel uncomfortable. The complaint says that he worked at the store for a few months and that the harassment started soon after he was hired.
American Apparel workers protected by ban aimed at managers
California employees at American Apparel may have additional protection from unsolicited attention by managers. Shortly after firing its chief executive and founder, the company filed an intent with the Securities and Exchange Commission to overhaul its code of ethics. Its updated policies were soon disclosed containing language clearly curtailing personal relationships initiated by supervisors with subordinates and curbing sexual harassment.
California workers entitled to paid break after 5 hours
Many hard-working employees in California find a respite in their daily grind during lunchtime, when obligations come to pause and one's well-being becomes the primary focus. Indeed, state law mandates that employers provide a meal break no shorter than 30 minutes for every 5-hour shift. Companies who fail to comply with state regulations could end up paying out pocket to compensate for neglecting to respect an employee's right to rest breaks.
What is the Fair Employment and Housing Act?
The Fair Employment and Housing Act is California's non-discrimination statute. Tracking closely with and sometimes expanding upon the provisions of federal civil rights laws, FEHA prohibits discrimination in employment and housing based on a person's membership in a legally-defined protected class. The protected classes of race, gender, religion and disability are likely familiar to most Californians. However, FEHA also prohibits discrimination against other protected classes, including persons with certain medical conditions, pregnant women and veterans.
