It is natural that verbal confrontations or differences of thought arise in any work space; however, when some of them or others become a labor conflict, a period of tension is likely to begin within the office, company, and even in virtual interaction rooms.
When a problem of this type becomes commonplace, it is necessary to call specialists who can not only take legal action, but also help employees and employers to improve their coexistence interactions within the workspace.
Grounds for a California Labor Lawsuit
Most statisticians speak of 5 main reasons why a labor dispute becomes a complaint or lawsuit. We mention them below:
1- Wage Theft: State of California workers who receive compensation not commensurate with their work accident or injury are protected by federal and state laws. Some of the practices to which employers or colleagues incur to initiate a legal dispute for this reason are:
Not paying the minimum wage or the one established with the employee (if it is higher)
Failing to provide employees with meal or recreation breaks;
Not paying overtime or seasonal bonuses (if the company offers them);
2- Discrimination: Is your religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, physical condition or disability a problem for another co-worker for whom you make a living as an employee?
So, it’s time to let people know and talk to your supervisor or boss. If it is the latter who causes the situation, it is best to contact the California Department of Labor and, if possible, talk to a lawyer for free for advice.
3- Harassment: A comment, or an unwanted touch of skin, can be the trigger for a labor complaint of this type if an apology is not accepted by the victim.
Remember that any non-consensual and inappropriate message, insinuation, joke or physical contact towards another colleague in an office or virtual work room can be considered a crime, especially if there is evidence and videos of verbal, physical or psychological abuse.
4- Unfair or improper dismissal: If you refuse to participate in illicit acts, or provide sexual favors, and this prevents you from advancing professionally in your career, since they only seek your resignation through these events, then it is necessary that you talk with local authorities directly to deal with the case.
In the same way, if you are fired from your job without having breached the terms of the contract, or legal action is taken against you for reporting the irregular situation, take into account that the dismissal will be unfair and you can consult a lawyer regarding your rights. to take legal action in this regard and receive the compensation you deserve.
5- Personal injury due to an activity at work: If you have suffered a temporary or permanent work accident, which has made it impossible for you to carry out your professional activities normally, your employer is obliged to respond for your recovery or therapy. , which should be established during the recruitment process.
Evading this responsibility can end in a labor lawsuit, where the biggest affected will be the employer if he or she has no way to prove that he or she was wrong.
How to reduce the risk of labor lawsuits?
Be more empathetic and communicative with your colleagues, colleagues or employers. Request that workshops, conferences or talks be held on coexistence in work spaces.
If you think there is a labor conflict for some reason like the above, ask for a meeting with the team or department, and expose the problem along with viable solutions that are self-sustaining thanks to a regulation or agreed standards.
Educating yourself is the best way to avoid and reduce the risk of these types of events. The more effective and transparent the interaction with the people with whom we surround ourselves on a professional day-to-day basis, the more respectful, tolerant and egalitarian the environment in which we work will be.
Reading is a good way to keep improving our human relationships not only at work, but also throughout our daily lives. If you think this text can be useful for others, share it on your social networks or take the initiative and talk to others about it!