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STATE OF CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD (ALRB)

The California Agricultural Labor Relations Board protects, implements, and enforces the rights and responsibilities of agricultural employees, employers, and labor organizations in their relations with each other. They administer the Agricultural Labor Relations Act which protects the rights of agricultural employees to make their own decisions about whether or not they want a union to negotiate with their employer about their wages, hours, and other working conditions. It also protects employees from being fired or discriminated against in any other manner because of supporting a union, participating in union activities, or exercising any of the other rights protected by the Act. They have offices in Visalia, Salinas, and El Centro, and can be reached by calling (800) 449-3699 or visiting their website at www.alrb.ca.gov

This state agency assists with job placement and referrals, unemployment insurance, disability insurance, and employment and training. They have a section of their website devoted to youth employment. There’s a lot of information on looking for summer and after school jobs, assistance in preparing employment applications and resumes, and in interviewing skills. The "Youth Employment Opportunity Program" (YEOP) provides special services to youth, ages 15 to 21, to assist them in achieving their educational and vocational goals. They have peer advising, workshops, job referrals, and referrals to training and community outreach efforts. They also have tutoring and study skills, training leading to completion of secondary school, mentoring, paid and unpaid work experience, and lots more. They have offices throughout the state, and you can reach them at www.edd.ca.gov

FTB administers the State’s tax laws. They have lots of information about filing your State of California income taxes. Check out their videos under the "Ready Return" section of their website at www.ftb.ca.gov

The Department of Industrial Relations protects the rights of California workers in a variety of areas. Among the agencies that make up DIR are:

Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) which enforces California’s Labor code regarding wages, hours, and working conditions. This includes enforcement of the child labor laws and regulating work permits for minors. They regulate the number of hours minors can work, wages earned, and restricted and prohibited occupations. They also have information about entertainment industry employment for minors.

Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) which protects workers and the public from safety hazards on the job.

Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) which monitors the administration of workers’ compensation claims and provides services to assist in resolving disputes arising from claims for workers’ compensation benefits. You can check out DIR’s website, including their section on "Young Workers," at www.dir.ca.gov. The homepage contains a link to this site which has a ton of stuff related to young people and employment.

Working for the State of California can be a rewarding experience. The State has all types of jobs available, including part-time and seasonal work. Some State agencies have positions for student assistants for those who are in college. SPB’s website can answer your questions about state employment and the types of opportunities available. Visit them at www.spb.ca.gov.

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