Despite significant advances in equality over the past several decades, gender discrimination in California workplaces remains a stubborn, often normalized reality. Women, transgender employees, and non-binary workers continue to face disparities in pay, opportunity, and treatment—both overt and subtle. In a state that leads the nation in civil rights legislation, the law is clear: employers must provide equal treatment, regardless of gender or gender identity.

In the modern workplace, experience should be an asset—not a liability. Yet for many workers over 40, advancing their careers or even staying employed often comes with a hidden cost: their age. While it rarely appears in writing or job descriptions, age discrimination in California remains a pervasive issue affecting hiring, promotions, layoffs, and daily workplace culture.

In a state as diverse as California, the freedom to practice one’s religion—or to choose not to—should be a given. And yet, religious beliefs discrimination remains a quiet but persistent issue in the workplace. Whether it’s a refusal to accommodate religious observances, biased remarks, or unfair treatment due to religious dress or beliefs, the law is clear: faith has no place as a factor in employment decisions.

When people think of workplace discrimination, the usual suspects—race, gender, age—often come to mind. But marital status discrimination in California is a real and unlawful practice that quietly affects many employees, often in ways that are difficult to detect but deeply impactful. Whether you’re single, married, divorced, widowed, or in a domestic partnership, your relationship status cannot lawfully be used as a basis for workplace decisions.

Despite legal protections, pregnancy discrimination in California continues to affect women and expecting parents across industries. Whether it’s being passed over for promotions, denied accommodations, or facing early termination, pregnant employees often face subtle forms of workplace bias that violate state and federal law. This guide outlines your rights under California law and what steps to take if you experience pregnancy discrimination.

Disability discrimination remains a persistent issue in California workplaces, despite clear protections under both state and federal law. Employees with physical or mental impairments often face subtle—or overt—barriers to advancement, inclusion, and dignity on the job. This article examines what qualifies as disability discrimination in California, how to recognize it, and what legal steps you can take to protect your rights.

California is one of several states that have implemented “Ban the Box” laws—rules that limit when and how an employer can ask about a job applicant’s criminal history. Under California’s Fair Chance Act, most employers are prohibited from asking about convictions on job applications or during the initial stages of the hiring process.

For decades, workplace grooming policies have often discriminated—directly or indirectly—against Black employees and others who wear natural hairstyles such as afros, braids, locs, or twists. In response, California became the first state in the U.S. to pass legislation explicitly protecting employees from hair-based discrimination.

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more integrated into workplace technologies, California employees face new concerns about privacy. From productivity tracking tools to facial recognition systems, employers are using AI-powered surveillance to monitor performance, behavior, and even emotions. But how far is too far?

When we talk about workplace discrimination in California, most people think in terms of single, isolated categories—like race, gender, or disability. But what happens when someone experiences discrimination that spans multiple identities at once?

In 2025, California passed a landmark piece of legislation: the Worker Freedom from Employer Intimidation Act.

Every worker depends on their paycheck. Whether you’re living paycheck to paycheck or building long-term financial stability, timely payment is not a luxury—it’s a legal right. If your employer in California is paying you late—or not at all—know this: California labor laws are on your side.

Imagine this: you’ve taken time off from work due to a serious health condition or to care for a loved one. You follow all the proper steps, provide documentation, and take your leave under California law. Then, shortly after returning—or even while still on leave—you’re fired.

If you find yourself in a situation where you believe your rights as a Kaiser employee have been violated.

Find the best labor lawyers in California. In California, labor law is an incredibly competitive and intricate field.

Whether it is better to quit a job before you get fired in California depends on the individual situation.

Understanding the distinction between wrongful termination and constructive termination is essential for employees in California.

This article will explore FMLA and CFRA protections, highlight common violations by employers, and provide insights into legal recourse.

Legal Aid at Work is a vital resource that offers a variety of services designed to support employees in California who need legal help.

California's Labor Code Section 230(a) offers crucial protections for employees.