|
WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW CAN HURT YOU
Do you know if your company is in compliance with the Wage and Hour laws of the
State of California
Do you know if your insurance covers a wrongful termination lawsuit
Do you know if your company has an “at will” policy in effect
Do you know if your company has an updated Employee Handbook
Do you know if your company has a policy in place to deal with employee complaints
and grievances including a policy on investigations of claims of harassment and
discrimination
If you do not know the answer to these few questions, then what you don’t know can hurt you.
An employer’s risk of liability grows every day. This risk of liability includes claims concerning
employment related practices, such as Wrongful Termination, Sexual Harassment, Discrimination,
Retaliation, Violation of Public Policy, Wage Claims, Breach of Contract claims and allegations of
violations of right to privacy and defamation to name just a few.
Over 20,000 lawsuits are filed every month in California with a growing number of these lawsuits
involving the workplace and personnel issues. Learn what you need to know and avoid being
included in this statistic.
Essentially every employer in California must comply with the laws relating to the workplace -
whether you are a large national employer or a small local business operation. A sample listing of the
laws which California employers must be informed and aware of include:
Anti discrimination laws (Title VII and FEHA)
Anti Sexual Harassment laws (Title VII and FEHA)
Americans with Disabilities Act and related laws
Family and Medical Care Leave and California Family Rights Act
Pregnancy Disability Leave Rights
Workers Compensation
Anti retaliation statutes
California Labor Code and Fair Labor Standards Act regarding wage and hour issues
COBRA and Cal-COBRA
Cal Osha and Violence in the Workplace
In addition to the above list of laws which specially concern the work place there are several other
related topics which employers should be knowledgeable to protect their interests:
Trade Secrets, Confidentiality and Non Disclosure issues
Covenants Not to Compete
Privacy Rights (both Employer and Employee)
HOW CAN AN EMPLOYER PROTECT ITSELF ...
The best defense is a good offense.
Know the laws which apply to you.
Implement proper personnel policies and practices
Follow the policies and practices which are implemented
Develop and abide by an Employee Handbook.
Maintain proper documentation on personnel actions
TAKE THE STEPS TO BECOME A PRO ACTIVE EMPLOYER
SO YOU CAN AGREE THAT:
WHAT YOU DO KNOW CAN HELP YOU
If your business needs assistance in taking the steps necessary to become a proactive employer, to
implement the policies and procedures necessary to avoid and reduce liability, contact Cynthia Elkins,
Attorney at Law, 21700 Oxnard Street, Suite 1750, Woodland Hills, Ca 91367 (818) 598-6771.
 |
What You Don't
Know... 6-03 |
Back
This information is intended to provide guidance in the area of employment law and is provided as a service of the Firm. While every effort
has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this bulletin, it is not intended to serve as "legal advice". If additional
information or assistance is needed on any of the topics contained in this informational package or any other matter, please feel free to
contact Cynthia Elkins for further information. All rights reserved. ©2005.
|
