by Elaine Chen In a recent Legal Aid at Work political speech case, we settled Lauren Gaw’s lawsuit against Surgical Care Affiliates (SCA)–a case that underscores an employee’s right to express their political views. This right stems from Sections 1101 and 1102 of the California Labor Code, which make it unlawful for employers to threaten, retaliate against, or otherwise interfere with employees engaging in political activity. As we resolve Lauren’s case, we are reflecting on our broader work safeguarding free speech… Continue reading How Legal Aid at Work is Safeguarding Free Speech in the Workplace
Category: Blog Post
What You Should Know About the EEOC’s Recission of Workplace Affirmative Action Guidances
by Elaine Chen On June 30, 2026, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced it had rescinded foundational guidances regarding voluntary workplace affirmative action plans. In addition to doing away with the Commission’s longstanding (since 1979) Guideline on affirmative action, the agency eliminated Section 607 of the EEOC Compliance Manual, in effect since 1981, that… Continue reading What You Should Know About the EEOC’s Recission of Workplace Affirmative Action Guidances
2026 FIFA World Cup: Immigrant Workers Aren’t Playing from the Sidelines
By Claire Ellis Global sporting events, such as the Super Bowl, the Olympics, and the World Cup have always been cites of extraordinary exploitation and abuse of workers. But this year’s FIFA World Cup is promising to test the limits. With organizing efforts by labor to resist ICE raids at stadiums and host city-led efforts to… Continue reading 2026 FIFA World Cup: Immigrant Workers Aren’t Playing from the Sidelines
How Legal Aid at Work is Teaming up with Unions and Advocates to Champion Workers’ Rights in Fast Food
Over the past several months, we have been proud to support fast-food workers facing a variety of workplace issues. Through long-term, strategic partnerships with worker champions like the California Fast Food Workers Union (FFWU) through the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), we’ve been showing up not just in courtrooms, but on picket lines. KFC/Taco Bell,… Continue reading How Legal Aid at Work is Teaming up with Unions and Advocates to Champion Workers’ Rights in Fast Food
Incarcerated Firefighters: The unsung heroes of California’s fire response and why we must fight harder for their rights
By Rosie Bichell In January 2025, the Palisades and Eaton fires tore through Southern California, taking over thirty lives and destroying thousands of homes,1 including some that had been occupied by the same families for generations.2 While California is known for its wildfires and “progressive” policies around workers’ rights, it’s hard to ignore the lack of progress when incarcerated labor is brought in to fight fires. At the… Continue reading Incarcerated Firefighters: The unsung heroes of California’s fire response and why we must fight harder for their rights
Legal Aid at Work Names Kevin Clune as President
For Immediate ReleaseFebruary 2, 2026legalaid@berlinrosen.com San Francisco, CA — Legal Aid at Work today announced that Kevin Clune has been appointed President, effective February 1, 2026. Clune succeeds Joan Graff, who retired after 45 years leading the organization. Founded 110 years ago, Legal Aid at Work supports low-income workers in California by helping to ensure… Continue reading Legal Aid at Work Names Kevin Clune as President
Statement of Joan Graff Regarding LAAW Board Firms’ Response to Federal Attacks on the Rule of Law
“For more than a century, Legal Aid at Work has been led by law firms committed to justice and the rule of law. In this challenging moment, we are deeply moved by our legal community’s courage in standing up against attacks on the profession and defending our Constitution. Thank you to so many of our… Continue reading Statement of Joan Graff Regarding LAAW Board Firms’ Response to Federal Attacks on the Rule of Law
OUR RIGHTS AT WORK: Pregnancy & Parenting in Fast Food
This report presents the findings of
the February 2025 California Fast
Food Worker Survey regarding
pregnancy and parenting, a
summary of pregnancy and newparent
leave and accommodation
rights, recommendations to support
fast food workers with Know Your
Rights Trainings, and links to more
information about the many rights
and programs for fast food workers
who are pregnant and new parents.
Legal Aid at Work Denounces President Trump’s Overreach in Removing EEOC Commissioners and an NLRB Board Member
January 29, 2025 Legal Aid at Work is outraged by the Trump administration’s unprecedented, late-night firings on January 27 of former EEOC Chair Charlotte Burrows, EEOC Commissioner Jocelyn Samuels, and Acting NLRB Chair Gwynne Wilcox, years before their Presidential appointments were set to expire. These blatantly politically motivated purges ousted three outstanding public servants who… Continue reading Legal Aid at Work Denounces President Trump’s Overreach in Removing EEOC Commissioners and an NLRB Board Member