California Employment Law

Are You an Employee or Independent Contractor under California law?

Find out if you’re entitled to the rights and benefits of an employee under California law.

California Laws on Drug Testing

California's constitution gives employees a right to privacy at work.

California PTO Laws and Vacation Accrual Caps

Employers must follow certain rules when providing vacation or paid time off in California.

Accessing Your Personnel File and Payroll Records in California

Employees have the right to inspect and copy payroll and personnel records in California.

Are Uber Drivers in California Employees or Independent Contractors?

Uber drivers in California are independent contractors, not employees. But that could change.

California Law on Employer Use of Criminal Background Checks

If you are among the estimated one in three Californians with a criminal record, you might worry about how it will affect your job search. Surveys show that a majority of employers perform criminal background checks when hiring for at least some positions.

How to File a Wage Claim in California

Learn how, when, and where to file a claim for unpaid wages in California.

California Laws on Smoking in the Workplace

What kinds of workplaces are subject to California workplace smoking laws?

California Laws for Tipped Employees

Learn the California rules on tips, tip credits, tip pooling, and more.

California Paycheck Laws

Learn whether you are paid correctly under California law.

California Wage and Hour Laws

California rules on employee overtime, wage and hour law, and fair pay.

How to File a Wage Claim in California

Learn how, when, and where to file a claim for unpaid wages in California.

Are Uber Drivers in California Employees or Independent Contractors?

Uber drivers in California are independent contractors, not employees. But that could change.

Accessing Your Personnel File and Payroll Records in California

Employees have the right to inspect and copy payroll and personnel records in California.

California PTO Laws and Vacation Accrual Caps

Employers must follow certain rules when providing vacation or paid time off in California.

Are You an Employee or Independent Contractor under California law?

Find out if you’re entitled to the rights and benefits of an employee under California law.

Parental Leave in California: What Happens If I Don't Return to Work?

Legal issues to consider if you’re thinking of quitting your job when your parental leave is up.

California Pregnancy Disability Leave

The vast majority of employees can take time off for pregnancy and childbirth.

Lactation Accommodation: Mandatory Breaks for Breastfeeding in California

California employees are entitled to lactation breaks under federal and state law.

Maternity and Paternity Leave in California

Having a child is one of the biggest events to happen in an employee’s life. Both employees and their children can benefit from time together to bond, especially in the first few months of life.

Can I Use Vacation or PTO to Supplement My PFL Benefits?

Yes, if your employer has a paid vacation or PTO policy, you may elect to use your accrued leave to supplement your PFL benefits. This is called “integration.” Your combined PFL benefits and paid leave can be up to 100% of your normal wages, but you cannot receive more than that. For example, if

How to File and Collect Unemployment Benefits in California

If you're a California worker who's been laid off due to the coronavirus pandemic or for any other reason, you might be eligible for unemployment benefits.

Layoff Protections for California Employees

California and federal WARN laws give employees the right to notice of a layoff.

Do I Have a Wrongful Termination Claim in California?

California employees who were wrongfully terminated can collect lost wages, benefits, and more.

Do I get more time off work in California if I had a C-section?

Do I get more time off or more benefits if I have a difficult pregnancy?