Monterey County Employment Lawyer

At Polaris Law Group, we understand the complexities of employment law and are dedicated to helping workers make sense of convoluted regulations so they can protect their rights.

Led by Attorney Bill Marder, a respected employment lawyer with over two decades of experience litigating cases across California, we provide top-notch legal representation to individuals facing workplace injustices. Whether you're dealing with discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, or a wage and hour dispute, we can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the justice you deserve.

Speak with a Monterey County employment law attorney during a consultation. Call (888) 796-4010 or contact us online.

Employment Cases We Can Help With in Monterey County

Our experience covers a range of employment law matters, including but not limited to:

• Discrimination: If you have been discriminated against in the workplace based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics, we can help you seek justice. 
• Harassment: No one should have to tolerate harassment in the workplace. We'll stand by your side to hold harassers and employers accountable for their actions.
• Wrongful Termination: If you've been unlawfully fired from your job, whether due to retaliation, discrimination, or a breach of contract, we can help you pursue legal remedies.
• Wage and Hour Disputes: Employers must comply with state and federal laws regarding minimum wage, overtime pay, meal and rest breaks, and other wage-related issues. If your employer has violated these laws, we'll work to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Attorney Bill Marder has considerable experience handling these and other employment law matters, including claims that other attorneys turn down and complex cases involving whistleblower actions, the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), and implied contracts. If you have questions about a potential case and how we can help, we encourage you to request a confidential consultation. 

Cannery Worker Rights

Monterey County has a rich history of employment in canneries and other seafood processing plants thanks to its thriving fishing industry. And while Monterey’s Cannery Row along Ocean View Avenue has become one the region’s most popular tourist attractions, there are still many canneries, fish processing, and food preservation employers throughout the county. 

Fortunately, these workers have far better workplace protections than the cannery workers of years gone by. This includes California and federal employment regulations that entitle workers to fair wages, overtime pay, safe working conditions, and discrimination protections. 

As a firm with decades of experience representing workers in employment lawsuits across the Monterey Bay Area, we can help cannery workers and other employees in the canning, freezing, preserving, and food processing industries hold employers accountable for violating labor laws. 

Agricultural Labor Laws

Agricultural labor laws in California are complex, and workers in this industry may face unique challenges and vulnerabilities. Whether you're a farmworker, migrant worker, or agricultural employee, we can help you understand your rights under state and federal law and take legal action if those rights have been violated.

Some important labor laws related to the rights of agricultural workers include:

• California Agricultural Labor Relations Act (ALRA): The ALRA protects agricultural employees’ rights to organize and collectively bargain . It also prohibits unfair labor practices such as interference, coercion, and discrimination against workers exercising their rights.
• Minimum Wage and Overtime Protections: California law ensures that agricultural workers receive at least the state's minimum wage for all hours worked. They are also entitled to overtime pay at one-and-a-half times their regular rate for hours worked beyond 8 in a workday or 40 in a workweek. These protections are crucial for fair compensation, especially given the long hours and physically demanding nature of agricultural work.
• Worker Safety Regulations: Employers must provide safe and healthy work environments for agricultural workers, as well as proper training, protective equipment, and measures to prevent accidents. Compliance with state and federal regulations regarding pesticide safety, heat illness prevention, and other industry-specific standards is also required.
• Housing and Transportation Requirements: Many agricultural workers rely on employer-provided housing and transportation, subject to specific regulations. Employers must ensure housing facilities meet health and safety standards and provide adequate living space. Transportation compliance includes vehicle safety, insurance, and driver qualifications to safeguard workers during transit.
• Protections for Migrant and Seasonal Workers: Migrant and seasonal agricultural workers face unique challenges, including mobility, housing, and access to services. California law offers additional protections, such as written employment contracts, reimbursement for transportation and housing expenses, and access to legal aid. Protecting the rights of these workers promotes fairness and equity in the agricultural industry.

At Polaris Law Group, we're dedicated to advocating for the rights of agricultural workers in Monterey County and the state of California. If you've experienced violations of your rights or need guidance on legal protections as an agricultural employee, reach out to us. Our experienced team can help you make sense of convoluted agricultural labor laws and explore your available options for pursuing justice and any unpaid wages or damages.  

Hotel and Hospitality Industry Employment Issues

Hotel and hospitality workers play important roles in welcoming the numerous tourists who visit Monterey and other popular destinations in Monterey County, but they often face challenges when it comes to their employment rights. Common issues include:

• Wage Theft: Instances where employers fail to pay proper wages, including minimum wage violations, unpaid overtime, and improper tip pooling.
• Overtime Violations: Failure to compensate employees for overtime hours worked beyond the standard 40-hour workweek.
• Unsafe Working Conditions: Issues such as inadequate safety protocols, lack of training, and failure to provide proper safety equipment, leading to workplace accidents and injuries.
• Discrimination and Harassment: Instances of discrimination based on race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or disability, as well as harassment or hostile work environments.

Our firm has extensive experience representing employees in this sector and is committed to holding employees accountable for their actions.

Public Employee Rights in Monterey County

Public employees, including government workers and civil servants, have specific rights and protections under the law. This includes protections against discrimination and employment retaliation after engaging in protected activities, and rights that entitle them to due process and procedural fairness in disciplinary actions, demotions, or terminations

If you're a public employee in Monterey County facing discrimination, retaliation, or other workplace injustices, our team can provide the legal guidance and representation you need to assert your rights and seek justice.

Why Polaris Law Group?

• More Than 25 Years of Experience in Employment Law: Having dedicated his professional career to employment law, Attorney Bill Marder has the knowledge and skills to handle even the most complex employment cases. 
• Efficient and Effective Services: We pride ourselves on providing efficient and effective legal services tailored to the unique needs of each client. From initial consultation to case resolution, we'll work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you
• Lawsuits Are Filed Within a Few Days of Consultation: We know time is of the essence in employment law cases, which is why we move quickly to file lawsuits and pursue justice.
• Willing to Fight for You When Other Lawyers Won't Take Your Case: We believe every worker deserves quality legal representation, regardless of the size or complexity of their case. If other lawyers have turned you away, don't lose hope – we’re here to help.
• We Only Get Paid if You Win: We understand that pursuing legal action can be financially daunting. That's why we offer our services on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won't owe us anything unless we secure a favorable outcome in your case.

Call For a Consultation:

If you're facing workplace injustice in Monterey County, don't hesitate to reach out to Polaris Law Group for experienced legal representation. Backed by millions of dollars in settlements and numerous reviews from satisfied clients, we’re trusted to take on all types of cases. 

Our Monterey County employment lawyer proudly serves clients across the region. Call us at (888) 796-4010 to request a consultation or complete an online form.