All employees who work at least 30 days for the same employer within a year in California, including full-time, part-time, per diem, in-home supportive services (IHSS) providers, and temporary employees such as seasonal agriculture workers, are covered by the California paid sick leave law. This leave may be used for personal illness, medical appointments, mental health needs, or to care for a family member. 

California law also prohibits employers from retaliating against or discriminating against workers for lawfully requesting or using paid sick leave or exercising their rights under California’s paid sick leave laws. Workers also have the right to ask questions about workplace policies, benefits, and available leave protections. 

Knowing your workplace rights can help you protect your job, your family, and your well being. The California Department of Industrial Relations provides information, resources, and assistance for workers who have questions about their rights or believe their workplace rights may have been violated. 

Have Questions About Your Workplace Rights? FIRM Can Help.

You do not have to navigate workplace concerns alone. FIRM is here to work with you. Our staff can help you understand your workplace rights, explore your options, and, when appropriate, assist you with filing a workplace claim.

Whether you have questions about paid sick leave, wages, workplace safety, retaliation, or other worker rights, we can help you understand your next steps.

Need support? Call FIRM today at 559-487-1500 to schedule an appointment.

Learn more about California paid sick leave: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/California-Paid-Sick-Leave.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com

by Abdul Wajid Yaqubi (FIRM staff member and ESL teacher)

Since starting the ESL program at Fresno Immigrant & Refugee Ministries (FIRM), I have observed significant positive changes within the Afghan community. More than 50 students have registered for the program, and we conducted 133 ESL class sessions from April 8, 2025, through June 16, 2026. The classes were organized into 11-week periods, with 25–30 students participating in each period. All 50 registered students attended during different periods. We also conducted a two-week citizenship preparation class, and all participants attended regularly and successfully passed our mock citizenship test.

Many students began with little or no English and started with basic skills such as the alphabet. Over time, I observed substantial improvement in their reading, writing, speaking, vocabulary, and grammar. The program helped students become more confident and better prepared to continue their education at higher levels in adult school. Some students were encouraged to pursue classes at Fresno City College, while eight students obtained employment during their time in the ESL program.

Beyond language skills, the classes have helped students become more independent in their daily lives. Many are now more comfortable navigating their workplaces, communicating with others, and meeting with their family doctors without relying on an interpreter. Overall, the ANSP project has strengthened English skills, confidence, employment opportunities, educational goals, and independence among members of the Fresno Afghan community.

Funding for the ANSP program is ending on September 30th but the Afghan community is still in need of your support. If you are interested in supporting services like these, please consider making a donation today.

Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention Standard applies to all outdoor and indoor workplaces. Under this standard, employers must provide workers with fresh drinking water, access to shade, and opportunities to take preventative cool-down rest breaks.

When the outdoor temperature exceeds 80°F, employers are required to provide access to shade so workers can cool down when needed. If the temperature reaches or exceeds 95°F, additional safety measures are required. Employers must closely monitor workers for signs of heat illness and ensure they take a 10-minute net preventative cool-down rest break every two hours. 

When the indoor temperature reaches 82°F or higher, employers must provide workers with fresh drinking water and access to a designated cool-down area. These cool-down areas must be maintained at below 82°F to help workers safely lower their body temperature and stay hydrated. These high-heat procedures are designed to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses and protect workers’ health and safety.

Every worker in California has the right to a safe workplace. Staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself on the job. If you have questions about your workplace rights or need assistance understanding or filing a claim, the team at FIRM is here to help. Call (559) 487-1500 to schedule an appointment and learn more about your legal rights as a worker in California. 

Learn more about outdoor and indoor heat illness safety: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/heat-illness/outdoor.html

Project Outcomes & Impact Report

As FIRM wraps up the California Kids Investment and Development Savings (CalKIDS) project in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Community Partnership and Strategic Communications (OCPSC), we reflect on the collaborations formed with schools, educators, and partners to support families and students in building their future through CalKIDS.

The CalKIDS program remains available to eligible students and families throughout California to apply.

This work was made possible through funding from the Governor’s Office of Community Partnership and Strategic Communications (OCPSC).

California workers have important rights when it comes to meals and rest breaks during the workday. In most cases, employees who work more than five hours in a day are entitled to an unpaid 30-minute meal break. Workers are also generally entitled to a paid 10-minute rest break for every four hours worked, or major fraction thereof.

Under California labor law, employers must authorize and permit employees to take legally required meal and rest breaks and may not discourage or interfere with workers from using them. These breaks are important for protecting employees’ health, safety, and overall well-being in the workplace. 

If required breaks are not provided, California law may allow employees to receive additional compensation, depending on the circumstances and applicable wage and hour rules. 

Knowing your workplace rights can help employees promote fair treatment, safe working conditions, and overall well-being on the job. The California Department of Industrial Relations offers information, resources, and support for workers who have questions or concerns regarding meal and rest break protections. 

If you need any help, we have staff at Firm ready that can help you understand or file a claim. Call for an appointment: 559-487-1500.Learn more about California meal and rest break rights:

Learn more about California meal and rest break rights:
California Meal and Rest Break Information

Learn more about California meal and rest break rights:
California Meal Periods and Rest Breaks Information

Pregnant workers in California have the right to take protected leave and care for their health without losing their job.

Under Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL), employees can take up to 4 months of job-protected leave for pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions.

Workers may also qualify for Paid Family Leave (PFL), which provides partial pay while bonding with a new baby.

California law protects all workers—regardless of immigration status. You have the right to take leave, return to your job, and be free from retaliation.

If your rights are violated, you can take action through the California Civil Rights Department or file a claim for benefits with the California Employment Development Department 

Learn more or get help here: 

https://www.dir.ca.gov/WomenInConstruction/Pregnancy-and-Parental-Leave.html

https://edd.ca.gov/en/disability/paid-family-leave

Wage theft is still one of the most common issues workers face across California. It can show up in different ways such as unpaid overtime, missed meal or rest breaks, or even not being paid minimum wage. The truth is, a lot of people don’t realize these practices are illegal but they are.

California law protects all workers, no matter their immigration status. That means workers have the right to be paid fairly for every hour worked.

At Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries (FIRM), we’re here to help workers understand their rights and feel confident speaking up. Workers deserve accurate pay, and workers have the right to raise concerns without fear of retaliation.

If an employer doesn’t pay what is owed, workers can take action. Workers in California can file a wage claim to recover unpaid wages, and the state will investigate and help resolve the issue. (https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/howtofilewageclaim.htm)

When workers know their rights, they’re better equipped to stand up for themselves and hold employers accountable. Education is a powerful tool for building fair and respectful workplaces for everyone.

Learn more or get help here:
https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/

Big changes are here for California workers, and they are all about empowerment. Starting January 1, the Workplace Know Your Rights Act requires employers to provide workers with a clear annual notice of their rights by February 1 each year. This information must be shared directly with workers by email, text, or in person, and in the languages commonly used in the workplace.

At Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries, we believe knowledge is power. This new law helps ensure that every worker, regardless of immigration status, understands their rights. These include protection from retaliation, fair treatment regardless of immigration status, access to workers’ compensation, the right to organize, and the ability to name an emergency contact.

When workers understand their rights, they are better equipped to protect themselves, their families, and their future. This law is a meaningful step toward stronger, safer workplaces for all.

For more details please contact the office at 559-487-1500 or contact your favorite FIRM staff.