Press Releases

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”

(photo of Red Bluff high school)

Northern California school district agrees to settle gender equity claims

Girls, their families agree to a plan for changes in programs and facilities at Red Bluff High School

Red Bluff Joint Union High School District has approved a settlement regarding the Title IX claims brought by girls at Red Bluff High School alleging they do not receive equal athletic facilities, benefits and opportunities to their male counterparts. The lawsuit, brought under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, alleged that boys were afforded many … Continue reading “Northern California school district agrees to settle gender equity claims”

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”