News

Press Release: California Class Action Alleges that Uber is Illegally Coercing Drivers to Support Prop 22

Over 200,000 Drivers Unlawfully Pressured to Support Ballot Measure

- October 22, 2020

San Francisco – A class action lawsuit filed in San Francisco today accuses Uber of illegally exploiting its economic power over its California-based drivers by pressuring them to support the Yes on Prop 22 campaign in violation of the drivers’ century-old right to be free from political coercion in the workplace. A copy of the … Continue reading “Press Release: California Class Action Alleges that Uber is Illegally Coercing Drivers to Support Prop 22”

Elizabeth Kristen talks to Ms. Magazine about California’s Prohibition of “No Rehire” Clauses

Ms. Magazine - October 13, 2020

Elizabeth Kristen, Director of LAAW's Gender Equity and LGBTQ Rights program, discusses the importance of California's 2019 ban on "no rehire" clauses, which prohibits departing employees from seeking future employment with an employer or an employer’s related entities. “'It was awful to have clients sign these because they could basically be locked out of an entire industry,' says Kristen. 'It has been very helpful to have really clear guidance on no-rehire clauses because it was so bad for workers in low-wage jobs and so potentially retaliatory.'”

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An Hispanic father holding his daughter in his arms on a sunny day at the park. The beautiful little girl, 2 years old, has her arms around daddy's neck and is kissing him on the cheek. He is smiling with his eyes closed.

California’s Expansion of Job-Protected Family and Medical Leave under SB 1383: 5 Things Workers Should Know

October 6, 2020

Helen Bass*

In a major victory for California’s working families, Governor Newsom recently signed SB 1383, which expands the California Family Rights Act to cover smaller employers and will ensure that millions of Californians can now access Paid Family Leave and State Disability Insurance benefits without risking their jobs. Below are five key things that every worker … Continue reading “California’s Expansion of Job-Protected Family and Medical Leave under SB 1383: 5 Things Workers Should Know”

New Chatbot Explains Workers’ Rights to Leave and Pay During COVID-19

September 30, 2020

Legal Aid at Work and Generation Spark are happy to introduce a new tool: “Advokat,” an AI-powered computer chatbot program that can help workers determine how they can keep their jobs and income when they are unable to work during the pandemic. The COVID-19 health crisis has caused many California workers to ask, “Can I … Continue reading “New Chatbot Explains Workers’ Rights to Leave and Pay During COVID-19”

Photo of Governor Newsom signing SB 1383 during Zoom ceremony

Governor Newsom Signs Historic Family and Medical Leave Expansion Bill

September 25, 2020

We are thrilled to announce that Governor Newsom signed SB 1383, authored by Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson and championed by Legal Aid at Work. SB 1383 amends our state’s job-protected family and medical leave law, the California Family Rights Act, to cover all employers with 5 or more employees (down from 50) and aligns the definition … Continue reading “Governor Newsom Signs Historic Family and Medical Leave Expansion Bill”

Berkeley Law Students Discuss their Experiences Aiding Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Through LAAW’s Workers’ Rights Clinic

Berkeley Law - September 21, 2020

Through virtual clinics via Zoom and phone, students at Berkeley Law have been able to assist low-income employees that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic through participation in LAAW's Workers' Rights Clinic. "'Every night, we’re taking what they’re learning in law school and bringing it to the community,'" LAAW's Mike Gaitley says. “'This keeps them grounded in why they went to law school in the first place.'"

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George Warner Discusses Barriers Workers Face Collecting Unemployment Insurance with the San Francisco Chronicle

San Francisco Chronicle - September 21, 2020

LAAW's George Warner discusses a recently released report on California's Employment Development Department (EDD) with the SF Chronicle. "'The report highlights a number of troubling realities of how the department currently operates,' said George Warner." The EDD issued the report alongside an announcement that the department has stopped taking new applications for unemployment benefits until October 5, 2020 "while it 'resets' itself to 'help prevent backlog growth.'"

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Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg*

Statement on the Passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, by LAAW President Joan Graff

September 18, 2020

As we mourn, with deep sadness, the death of our heroine Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and the loss of her passionate voice and inspiration we can think of her humble comment: “I would like to be remembered as someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of … Continue reading “Statement on the Passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, by LAAW President Joan Graff”

Affectionate multi-ethnic couple are shopping with their baby daughter who is riding in a baby carrier

Governor Newsom Signs SB 1383, Landmark Bill to Ensure Equitable Access to Paid Family Leave

- September 17, 2020

San Francisco (September 17, 2020) – In a major victory for California’s working families, Governor Newsom signed SB 1383, authored by Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara). It will ensure that millions of Californians can access critically needed Paid Family Leave and State Disability Insurance benefits without risking their jobs. This landmark bill implements the first … Continue reading “Governor Newsom Signs SB 1383, Landmark Bill to Ensure Equitable Access to Paid Family Leave”