Corporate America's subcontracted labor force in Mexico
We all buy cheap goods made in China, Mexico and various third world countries, but most of us never stop to think of the real cost of these goods. Unfotunately, companies like Walmart, who regularly violate local laws to protect employees in this country, profit considerably from deplorable working conditions arounds the world.
Employers cannot retaliate for employee reports of unsafe work conditions or illegal workplace conduct
When an employee engages in a protected activity, be it refusing to break the law or reporting unsafe work conditions, he or she should be protected from any adverse action from an employer. This is the basic principle underlying the various anti-retaliation laws in California - an employer can't retaliate against an employee for engaging in a protected activity. In practice, bringing a successful anti-retaliation claim against an employer can be more involved. Sometimes, even when an employee has clearly engaged in a protected activity, he or she may not be successful in bringing a claim. If, for example, an employer had a legitimate reason for firing the employee it is up to the employee to show that the protected activity was a substantial motivating factor in the retaliation.
New laws protecting against workplace discrimination and harassment
As 2015 approaches there are a number of new laws and amendments in California that will become effective in the New Year. One law in particular that deserves special attention because of its impact in the realm of employment law is AB 1443. This new law will extend protection from discrimination and harassment to new individuals under California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).
