San Mateo Employment Law Attorney

Employers have considerable power over their employees’ livelihoods and – to one degree or another – over their careers. In response, both the federal government and the State of California enact laws that are designed to protect employees from any overreach on the part of their employers. Those with questions or concerns regarding the circumstances of their employment should reach out for the skilled legal guidance of an experienced San Mateo employment law attorney today. 

Sexual Harassment

A common employee complaint is sexual harassment, which is addressed at the state and federal levels. Sexual harassment can be pronounced, but it can also take more subtle forms. Sexual harassment is considered a form of discrimination, and all of the following actions qualify:

• Basing employment benefits or job advancements either directly or indirectly on sexual favors
• Requesting sexual favors of an employee
• Assaulting an employee sexually
• Pressuring an employee to engage in a sexual act 
• Making sexual advances or engaging in unwelcome physical contact or sexual conversations with an employee
• Sending an employee unwelcome photos or electronic messages that are sexually explicit 

Pregnancy Discrimination

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act makes it unlawful to discriminate against an employee in relation to any of the following:

• Being pregnant
• Giving birth
• Experiencing a medical condition that is related to either pregnancy or childbirth 

In the State of California, these protections are extended to include breastfeeding and related medical concerns, as well as decision-making that is related to productive health. Employers in California are also responsible for making reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees, such as the following:

• Weight-bearing restrictions
• More frequent rest and bathroom breaks
• Accommodations related to morning sickness, preeclampsia, hypertension, gestational diabetes, and postpartum depression
• Accommodations related to a pregnancy loss  
• Accommodations related to the childbirth recovery period

Disability Discrimination

Disability discrimination refers to treating an employee improperly in response to their physical or mental impairment. It is unlawful for California employers with five or more employees to discriminate on the basis of any of the following:

• An employee’s physical disability
• An employee’s mental disability
• An employee’s medical condition
• An employee’s genetic condition

In order to qualify for this category of protection, the employee in question must be able to perform the essential functions required by the job. Further, the employer is required to provide any accommodations needed – when doing so does not cause undue hardship. 

An Experienced San Mateo Employment Law Attorney Is Standing By to Help

Employees have considerable rights that are protected by the law, and the trusted San Mateo employment law attorneys at Minnis & Smallets appreciate how important these rights are to our clients’ futures. We have wide-ranging experience successfully protecting the rights of employees across an array of careers who face harmful discrimination, and we take great pride in our commitment to effecting favorable outcomes. Learn more about what we can do to help by reaching out and contacting us today.