Resources for Workers and Employers in California
The following links and resources are provided by Kurt W. Dreger Law Office for the benefit of California workers and employers who are looking for information regarding employment discrimination, wage and hour law and worker safety. If you are in California and need legal advice or assistance in any of these areas, please call 510-914-5334 or contact Mr. Dreger online for a free initial consultation about your concerns.
Employment Discrimination
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission – The EEOC is the federal agency responsible for upholding certain federal civil rights laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), among others. Go here to file a charge of discrimination or to learn more about different types of discrimination and the different kinds of employment practices prohibited by law.
California Department of Fair Employment and Housing – DFEH is California’s civil rights agency, protecting workers from unlawful discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. Find instructions here to file a complaint online. In most cases of employment discrimination, you must first file a complaint with EEOC or DFEH before you can file a lawsuit. Your lawyer can advise on whether filing a complaint is required and which agency you should file with.
Wage & Hour
U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division – The DOL WHD enforces the minimum wage and maximum hour (overtime) laws of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), as well as other federal labor laws such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Employers and employees alike can benefit from the guidance and resources on this website.
California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement – The Labor Commissioner’s Office enforces California labor laws to combat wage theft, protect workers from retaliation and ensure workers get their earned wages. Workers can come here to file a wage claim or labor law violation. Employers can get required notices and posters, obtain licenses and permits and learn about important labor laws and employer duties.
Occupational Safety and Health
Occupational Safety and Health Administration – OSHA’s mission is to assure safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance. File a safety and health complaint, or request a no-cost, confidential consultation for your small business on possible worksite hazards and compliance.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health – NIOSH seeks to promote productive workplaces through safety and health research. Learn more here about workplace hazards and exposures, occupational diseases and injuries, safety and prevention, and more.
Division of Occupational Safety and Health – Like its federal counterpart OSHA, DOSH, also known as Cal/OSHA, sets and enforces standards to protect and improve worker health and safety. Also like OSHA, Cal/OSHA provides outreach to employers for consultations on safety matters.
Employment Development Department – EDD oversees a number of employment programs in California, including unemployment, disability, paid family leave, jobs and training, payroll taxes and more.
California Labor and Workforce Development Agency – The LWDA oversees a number of state agencies, providing oversight on wage and salary issues, prevailing wages, occupational safety and health and more. Go here to learn about eligibility for disability benefits or to appeal a denial.
