January 26, 2026Have you ever experienced a moment at work when something felt off, but you were not sure if it was against the law? Maybe you’ve worked through lunch, dealt with unfair treatment, or felt pressured to stay silent when something didn’t feel right. If so, you’re not alone. Thousands of California employees face situations like this every day, and many don’t realize they have rights.
That’s exactly why California employment law exists: to protect workers, empower them, and create a safe, fair, and lawful workplace. And at Abramson Labor Group, we’ve helped countless employees understand and enforce the rights they didn’t even know they had.
Here’s your clear, relatable guide to what employment law covers, and how it safeguards you.
1. Your Right to Fair Pay and Overtime
Let’s start with the one thing everyone works for: your paycheck.
California has some of the strongest wage laws in the country. Employers must:
If your employer asks you to clock out and continue working, skip breaks to “finish up,” or accept late or short paychecks. That is not just unfair; it may be wage theft.
Employment law ensures you’re paid for every dollar you’ve earned.
2. Protection From Workplace Discrimination
Discrimination doesn’t always look like a dramatic event. Sometimes it’s subtle, being passed up for opportunities, rude comments about your background, or being treated differently after disclosing a medical condition.
California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) protects employees from discrimination based on:
If you’re being targeted or treated unfairly because of who you are, the law is there to protect you, and you don’t have to tolerate it.
3. Protection Against Harassment (Including a Hostile Work Environment)
Harassment isn’t just inappropriate comments; it can be intimidation, unwanted behavior, bullying, or persistent offensive conduct that affects your ability to work.
California law requires employers to:
You deserve a workplace where you feel safe, respected, and valued, not one where you’re constantly on edge.
4. Wrongful Termination and Retaliation Protection
Even though California is an “at-will” employment state, there are situations where a company cannot terminate a worker’s employment. If the employee is let go for a reason that goes against state or federal laws or violates other areas of the employment contract, the employee has a case for wrongful dismissal. Wrongful termination is a condition where an employer ends a worker’s employment for a reason that goes against employment and discrimination laws.
It may be unlawful to terminate an employee for:
Employment law ensures that doing the right thing cannot cost you your job.
5. Safe Working Conditions
No employee should feel unsafe at work, physically or mentally. California employers must provide a workplace that complies with safety standards, including:
Whether you work in an office, restaurant, warehouse, or hospital, the law requires your employer to prioritize your safety.
6. Medical, Family, and Protected Leave Rights
Life happens, and California law recognizes that.
You may be entitled to protected leave under laws such as:
Your employer cannot punish, fire, or retaliate against you for taking the leave you’re entitled to.
Why This Matters: Employment Law Gives You Power
Understanding what employment law covers isn’t just about knowing the rules; it’s about knowing your rights.
You deserve fair treatment. You deserve respect. You deserve protection.
When something feels wrong at work, it’s often because it is wrong. And the law gives you the tools to stand up for yourself.
But you don’t have to navigate it alone.
At Abramson Labor Group, Your Rights Come First.
We’ve helped thousands of California workers who felt unheard, mistreated, or unsure where to turn. One call, one message, or one conversation can change everything.
If you believe your rights may have been violated or if something simply doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.
Reach out today for a free and confidential intake evaluation.
Let’s make sure your workplace works for you, not against you.