Workplace Harassment Laws in California: Legal Protections for Employees

Haulk & Herrera LLP
Mar 14
3 min read

California has some of the strongest workplace harassment laws in the country, ensuring employees are protected from discrimination, retaliation, and hostile work environments. Haulk & Herrera LLP, led by experienced employment lawyers Jose Herrera and Matthew Haulk, is dedicated to helping employees understand their rights and take action against workplace harassment.

What Constitutes Workplace Harassment?

Workplace harassment includes any unwelcome behavior that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment. Under California employment law, harassment can take various forms, including:

Sexual harassment – Unwanted advances, inappropriate touching, suggestive comments, or quid pro quo harassment (where job benefits are conditioned on accepting sexual advances).
Verbal harassment – Derogatory remarks, insults, jokes, or offensive comments related to race, gender, religion, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.
Physical harassment – Assault, threats, or other forms of physical intimidation.
Retaliation – Punishing an employee for reporting harassment or participating in an investigation.

California Workplace Harassment Laws

Several laws protect employees from harassment in California, including:

California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) – This law prohibits workplace harassment based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, sexual orientation, age, and disability.
California Civil Code Section 51.9 – Protects employees from harassment in professional relationships, including employer-employee interactions.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – Federal law that prohibits discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

Employer Responsibilities Under California Employment Law

Employers in California have a legal duty to prevent and address workplace harassment. This includes:

Establishing and enforcing anti-harassment policies.
Conducting regular harassment prevention training.
Providing clear procedures for reporting harassment.
Taking prompt corrective action against harassers.

What to Do If You Experience Workplace Harassment

If you are facing workplace harassment, it is important to take the following steps:

Document the incidents – Keep records of dates, times, locations, and details of harassment incidents.
Report the harassment – Notify your HR department or supervisor as per company policies.
Seek legal help – If your employer fails to take action, consult with an experienced California employment attorney.

How Haulk & Herrera LLP Can Help

Jose Herrera and Matthew Haulk are dedicated advocates for employee rights. At Haulk & Herrera LLP, we provide legal representation for employees facing workplace harassment. Our services include:

Evaluating harassment claims and advising on legal options.
Filing complaints with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Negotiating settlements and representing employees in court if necessary.

Client Testimonials

“It has taken me far too long to formulate my thankfulness. Working with Jose and Matt was effortless, easy and amazing. I was presented with all the information and realistic outcomes. Not only was I given all outcomes explained to me in digestible terms, he gave me opinions. Communication was superb and, always was able to reach them. Jose and Matt do not work for their benefit, they want to benefit their client. Their transparency instills more confidence in yourself and the team. After working with them, they feel more like friends and I cannot be more thankful.”

Contact Haulk & Herrera LLP Today

If you or someone you know is experiencing workplace harassment, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance. Haulk & Herrera LLP offers a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

Haulk & Herrera LLP is committed to protecting California employees from workplace harassment. Let us help you fight for your rights.