The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have disrupted the lives of thousands of residents, workers, and businesses. As recovery efforts continue, workers must stay informed about the protections and resources available to them. Here are some essential health and safety measures, employment rights, and resources for workers you should know about.
Health and Safety in the Workplace
- Prohibition of Equipment Use: To protect public health, using leaf blowers and similar equipment that stirs up ash and wildfire debris is prohibited.
- Right to Clean Air: Workers are entitled to clean air in their workplaces. Free masks are distributed across the county to help workers avoid exposure to unhealthy air caused by the fires.
Job and Retaliation Protections
- Protection Against Retaliation: Workers can seek emergency or disaster assistance regardless of citizenship status. It is illegal for employers to retaliate against workers for seeking assistance, refusing unsafe work (e.g., in evacuation zones), or reporting workplace safety violations. Los Angeles County prohibits firing, cutting hours, demoting, or disciplining workers who report such concerns to government agencies.
- Sick Leave: Workers affected by the wildfires can use accrued California Paid Sick Leave for health issues caused by the disaster or to care for an ill family member.
- Evacuation Rights: Workers have the right to refuse to work in evacuation zones.
Resources for Workers
General Support and Assistance
- Office of Labor Equity: Workers can file complaints about wage or workplace safety violations anonymously. Contact them at (800) 593-8222 or visit workers.lacounty.gov.
- Childcare Services: To support families impacted by the wildfires, LA County Parks Care Camps are offering care and recreation for children and teens from January 13 to January 31, 2025. Visit parks.lacounty.gov/care-camps for locations and details.
- Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity
Employment Rights Information
- Unemployment Support Workers who lose their jobs or experience reduced hours due to the fires may qualify for unemployment benefits through California’s Employment Development Department (EDD).
- Sick Leave Policies: Paid sick leave and other forms of leave are applicable to those affected by the wildfires. Learn more about California’s sick leave rules and their applicability to disaster situations at workers.lacounty.gov.
- Retaliation Complaints: File a complaint about employer retaliation or unsafe working conditions at worker.lacounty.gov.
Contact Us
Affected workers are encouraged to keep accurate records of wages, hours, and other relevant documentation. Educate yourself about your rights under local, state, and federal labor laws. If necessary, contact us to submit a complaint or request assistance regarding your wage or workplace safety. DCBA’s Office of Labor Equity is here to help:
- Website: workers.lacounty.gov
- Phone: (800) 593-8222
- Online Complaint Portal
The recent fires have been a challenge for the Los Angeles community, but help is available. By knowing your rights and utilizing the resources available to you, you can navigate this difficult time with support and protection.
