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Time’s Up!

Farm workers, waitresses, janitors, retail workers, and hotel housekeepers are just some of the sexual harassment victims Legal Aid at Work attorneys represent.  These women, who ranged in age from teenagers to women in their 70’s, experienced conduct at work that no one should endure:  repeated rapes, unwelcome touching, pornographic materials, and sexualized comments.  Their … Continue reading “Time’s Up!”

Indonesian Fishermen Settle Labor-Trafficking Case

Foreign fishermen settle human trafficking suit

Owner Of U.S.-Based Fishing Vessel Agrees To Precedent-Setting Settlement Over Allegations Of Human Trafficking, Abusive Labor Practices

After federal lawsuit alleged seamen were subjected to human trafficking and forced labor, ship’s owner agrees to new precedent-setting policies for informing workers of their rights under U.S. law

SAN FRANCISCO – Two Indonesian men have settled their claims against an American fishing boat captain whom they allege subjected them to forced labor and human trafficking. In a precedent-setting move for the U.S. commercial fishing industry, the ship’s owner also agreed to a code of conduct and to inform future seamen of their rights … Continue reading “Owner Of U.S.-Based Fishing Vessel Agrees To Precedent-Setting Settlement Over Allegations Of Human Trafficking, Abusive Labor Practices”

Worker claims wage, trafficking violations in janitorial ‘franchise’ scheme

Luis Castillo, who worked as a janitor for CleanNet under a purported “franchise agreement,” filed a lawsuit in San Francisco today on behalf of everyone in his position across California. The complaint alleges that workers like him are not truly “franchise” owners at all but, rather, employees of CleanNet — and entitled to basic protections under … Continue reading “Worker claims wage, trafficking violations in janitorial ‘franchise’ scheme”

Janitorial worker sues CleanNet, claiming widespread wage and hour, labor trafficking violations

"I lost my time, my money, my business, and my dream.” — plaintiff Luis Castillo

Luis Castillo, who worked as a janitor for CleanNet under a purported “franchise agreement,” filed a lawsuit today on behalf of everyone in his position across California, claiming that they were never truly “franchise” owners at all but, rather, employees of CleanNet — and entitled to basic protections under California wage and hour laws. “I … Continue reading “Janitorial worker sues CleanNet, claiming widespread wage and hour, labor trafficking violations”

Northern California high school settles equal opportunity lawsuit

(photo of Red Bluff high school)

Northern California high school moves toward equality with Title IX settlement

[This blog entry, originally posted on Nov. 1, was updated on Nov. 15, 2017, to include a link (at the end) to the signed settlement agreement.]   Girls at Red Bluff High School near Redding filed a class action lawsuit last spring alleging they do not receive the same athletic facilities, benefits and opportunities as their … Continue reading “Northern California high school moves toward equality with Title IX settlement”

Napa and Sonoma wildfires, October 2017. Credit Noah Berger/San Francisco Chronicle

Deadline to apply for disaster aid is Thursday

Don’t miss the November 16 deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) if you are unable to work as a result of the October wildfires! Anyone who cannot work due to the fires should apply as soon as possible for DUA. Unlike traditional unemployment insurance, DUA is available  to people who were self-employed but … Continue reading “Deadline to apply for disaster aid is Thursday”