Resources
Maintaining compliance with California state and federal labor and employment laws can be a daunting task. The following links and resources can help give you some of the tools and information you need to stay on top of the latest developments in employment discrimination and wage and hour law. For more detailed advice or professional assistance in a particular legal matter in Orange County, Riverside, San Diego or San Bernardino, call Coast Employment Law at 714-551-9930 for a free consultation.
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U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) – EEOC is the main federal agency that enforces workplace discrimination laws such as Title VII, the ADA and the ADEA. Current employees, as well as former employees and applicants for employment, may be protected from adverse employment actions based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, disability or genetic information. Workers are also protected from retaliation for filing a complaint or participating in an EEOC investigation.
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California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) – This agency enforces California civil rights laws, including workplace discrimination. California employment discrimination laws mirror federal laws but are broader in some areas. Workers can file a complaint with either DFEH or EEOC, and the government agency may dual file the complaint with the other agency.
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ADA.gov – This website provides technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act. Individuals and small businesses can find abundant information and resources here on ADA law and regulations, technical assistance and current enforcement operations. Before constructing or remodeling a business premises, it may be helpful to consult ADA design standards to ensure accessibility.
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California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) – DLSE is the office of the Labor Commissioner and has the authority to investigate complaints regarding employment discrimination and public works, to adjudicate wage claims, and to enforce orders of the Industrial Welfare Commission and the California Labor Code. Workers can file a wage claim online, report a labor law violation, or file a complaint regarding retaliation or discrimination. Employees and employers alike can find information on important wage and hour issues such as paid sick leave and allowable wage deductions.
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U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division (DOL WHD) – This agency enforces the federal minimum wage and maximum hours (overtime) laws of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). DOL WHD enforces other federal labor laws as well, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Employees can find information here about filing a complaint, while employers can order or download required posters for the workplace or obtain informative fact sheets on a wide range of wage and hour issues. WHD also administers several programs involving immigrant workers under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
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California Employment Development Department (EDD) – EDD is where employers go to file and pay taxes or respond to UI or DI claims. Workers can file for unemployment or disability here, and also access resources to help them find a job.
