Resources for Workers and Tenants

The following government agencies and non-profit organizations provide information and resources to employees facing unlawful conduct in the workplace:

California Department of Fair Employment and Housing
The DFEH is the California version of the EEOC (see below). It is responsible for protecting the people of California from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The DFEH’s website contains useful information regarding filing discrimination claims.

California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement
The California DLSE, also known as the Labor Commissioner, investigates and enforces complaints of retaliation and certain types of discrimination, as well as California’s wage and hour laws (including overtime and meal periods).

California Employment Development Department
The EDD handles claims for Unemployment Insurance and Disability Insurance. Its website has useful information regarding how to file such claims. It also has a job and resume page (CalJOBS), that provides information about job openings throughout the state.

California Division of Occupational Safety and Health
Cal-OSHA has jurisdiction over California laws requiring safe and healthy working conditions. Its website describes how to file claims about unsafe and unhealthy working conditions.

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
The EEOC is the federal version of the DFEH (see above). It enforces federal laws providing for equal opportunity and prohibiting discrimination. Its website contains useful information regarding filing discrimination claims.

National Labor Relations Board
The NLRB investigates and prosecutes unfair labor practices committed by both employers and unions.

Employment Law Center
The ELC is a private, non-profit organization that operates free clinics throughout the Bay Area for low-income employees who are experiencing problems at work.

Eviction Defense Center
The EDC, located in Oakland, is a private, non-profit organization that provides services to low-income tenants facing eviction. The EDC currently does not have a website. Their phone number is (510) 452-4541, and they are located at 1611 Telegraph Ave., Suite 726, Oakland, California.

Age Discrimination in Employment Act
Americans with Disabilities Act
California Fair Employment and Housing Act
California Family Rights Act
California Labor Code
California Unruh Civil Rights Act
Equal Pay Act
Fair Labor Standards Act
Family and Medical Leave Act
Pregnancy Discrimination Act
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act