Any successful company relies on mutual respect between the employer and employees. One cannot function properly without the other. For the most part, employees are paid a fair rate for their work and the company obtains a profit.
However, there are occasions where employment disputes arise. Here are two of the most common types of employment disputes.
1. Wrongful dismissal
Employment in California operates on an at-will basis. This means that the employee can quit at any time, without providing notice. At the same time, the employer can also dismiss the worker at any time. There are, however, some exceptions. If the employment contract specifies set notice periods, then these should be honored.
Employees also cannot be dismissed for unlawful reasons. Some examples of wrongful dismissals include:
- Being fired for discriminatory reasons
- Being fired as a form of workplace retaliation
- Being forced out due to a hostile work environment
When dismissing an employee, it is important that a company takes all of the appropriate legal steps.
2. Wage and hour disputes
All employees in California have a legal right to be paid the minimum wage. Currently, this stands at $16 per hour. When an employee works overtime (over 40 hours in a working week) they are entitled to 1.5 times their usual rate of pay.
Employers cannot pay less than these amounts otherwise they may face a wage and hour claim.
These are just two of the most common types of employment disputes. There are many more. When faced with a legal employment issue, it’s important to seek the appropriate guidance and information.