Rights under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act

When people go to work, they can sometimes feel powerless. They may think that their employer has control over everything and can act in any way the employer chooses. However, in California, employers are subject to the rules outlined in the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. This act protects employees in many important ways.

One important aspect of the act is that it prohibits workplace discrimination. Under the act, employers cannot discriminate against employees when giving out assignments or privileges, when hiring or firing employees or when promoting individuals. This includes discriminating against an employee because of that person’s race, gender, gender identity, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or other similar factor. The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing has been tasked with enforcing this part of the act.

Additionally the California Fair Employment and Housing Act protects against harassment of an employee because of any of the above factors. It also makes it illegal for employers to engage in harassment because of a person’s pregnancy or breastfeeding status.

Under the act, employers must also make reasonable accommodations in certain situations. In particular, employers must make reasonable accommodations for disabled employees, pregnant employees and to accommodate an employee’s religious beliefs. Certain employees are also entitled to medical leave under the act. This law also protects against retaliation by the employer and by a union.

These are a just a few of the protections and rights given to employees under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. An attorney can help to explain an employee’s full rights if the person has faced workplace discrimination, harassment or retaliation.

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