Press Releases

Calif. expands job security for workers who take parental leave

Gov. Jerry Brown signs SB 63, New Parent Leave Act

Millions more new parents who work in California soon will be able to take up to 12 weeks off work without fear of being fired. The New Parent Leave Act (SB 63), which Gov. Jerry Brown signed today, was introduced by Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) and received bipartisan support. The bill was cosponsored by … Continue reading “Calif. expands job security for workers who take parental leave”

Treasure Island Job Corps worker files disability discrimination case

Federal contractor allegedly fired her for taking medical leave, using a cane

A residential coordinator for a company that runs Job Corps centers nationwide for the U.S. Department of Labor filed a federal discrimination and retaliation lawsuit today alleging that the company fired her for taking medical leave and requesting accommodations in order to return to work. Martha Daniels, who worked for Adams and Associates, Inc. at … Continue reading “Treasure Island Job Corps worker files disability discrimination case”

Preserving DACA is essential

Here is a statement from Legal Aid at Work president Joan M. Graff about the rescission of DACA: “During this time of confusion and uncertainty, it is important to bear in mind that all workers, regardless of their immigration status, have rights. DACA recipients — like their coworkers — continue to have protections under federal … Continue reading “Preserving DACA is essential”

Former Holiday Inn Express, Montana Mike’s workers file labor trafficking class action

OKLAHOMA (Thurs., July 27) — Workers recruited from the Philippines to work in hospitality businesses in Oklahoma under the H-2B guest worker program filed a federal lawsuit today alleging they were induced to pay high recruitment fees and then were paid less than they had been promised, denied the lodging, meals, and transportation they had … Continue reading “Former Holiday Inn Express, Montana Mike’s workers file labor trafficking class action”

Female high school athletes reach tentative settlement with Oregon school district

Lake Oswego School District near Portland, Oregon, has tentatively agreed to upgrade its high school girls’ softball area in line with the boys’ baseball area, add more opportunities for girls to play sports on par with boys’ offerings, and equalize athletic treatment and benefits experienced by female athletes so that Lake Oswego High School’s sports … Continue reading “Female high school athletes reach tentative settlement with Oregon school district”

Ninth Circuit affirms federal protection against retaliation for workers who exercise their rights

SAN FRANCISCO (Thurs., June 22) — The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a landmark ruling today in favor of Jose Arias, a dairy worker who had sued his former employer’s attorney alleging retaliation under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Mr. Arias initially sued the employer, Angelo Dairy in Acampo, Calif., San Joaquin … Continue reading “Ninth Circuit affirms federal protection against retaliation for workers who exercise their rights”

Workers sue over workplace discrimination, English-only policy

Workers allege national call center fostered a hostile work environment and retaliated against them for speaking Spanish

NEW JERSEY (Mon., June 12) — Two former employees have filed a lawsuit against two nationwide debt collection companies, accusing these companies of discriminating against Spanish-speaking employees by forcing them to comply with an English-only policy and fostering a hostile work environment in which Latinas were routinely mocked and subjected to racist comments. The workers, … Continue reading “Workers sue over workplace discrimination, English-only policy”

People with disabilities sue BART for discrimination

Legal Aid at Work teams with Disability Rights Advocates in class action seeking changes in policies, conditions

SAN FRANCISCO – A pair of advocacy groups and two people with disabilities filed a lawsuit today against BART alleging that it discriminates against people with mobility disabilities, effectively excluding them from the regional mass transit system. For people with disabilities, problems that may be familiar annoyances to most riders can create absolute barriers to … Continue reading “People with disabilities sue BART for discrimination”

interior of Mission Beach Cafe

Workers at popular Mission Beach Cafe sue seeking basic wage and hour compliance

SAN FRANCISCO — Nine current and former employees of Mission Beach Café, where the line for brunch stretches around the corner most weekends, filed a lawsuit today alleging, among other things, that they are unable to cash their paychecks due to insufficient funds, they are not paid regularly, and they usually don’t receive pay stubs. … Continue reading “Workers at popular Mission Beach Cafe sue seeking basic wage and hour compliance”