On April 21, 2025, the California Court of Appeal issued an opinion validating written, prospective meal period waivers for non-exempt employees. The decision in La Kimba Bradsbery v. Vicar Operating, Inc. provides employers...more
Cal/OSHA’s non-emergency COVID-19 rule requiring employers to adopt measures to address COVID-19 hazards is set to expire on February 3, 2025. However, employers must still comply with several obligations after that date....more
The California Labor Commissioner’s Office issued its new model whistleblower notice entitled “Whistleblowers Are Protected” for employers to use beginning January 1, 2025. It explains who is protected under the law; what...more
As discussed in our previous alert, last month Cal/OSHA approved the Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Places of Employment Standard (“Indoor Heat Standard”)....more
7/31/2024
/ Cal-OSHA ,
California ,
Employees ,
Employer Liability Issues ,
Employer Responsibilities ,
Heat Exposure ,
Labor Reform ,
New Regulations ,
Occupational Exposure ,
Regulatory Requirements ,
State Labor Laws ,
Workplace Safety
On July 1, 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation to reform California’s Private Attorneys General Act (“PAGA”). These changes aim to balance PAGA enforcement with fairness to employers, offering new avenues for...more
On June 20, 2024, the California Occupational Safety and Health (“Cal/OSHA”) Standards Board voted to approve the proposed Indoor Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Places of Employment Standard (“Indoor Heat Standard”). ...more
6/25/2024
/ Cal-OSHA ,
California ,
Employer Liability Issues ,
Health and Safety ,
Heat Exposure ,
Labor Reform ,
New Regulations ,
Occupational Exposure ,
Severe Weather ,
State Labor Laws ,
Workplace Hazards ,
Workplace Safety
As promised, Cal/OSHA recently published Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) addressing various aspects of the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (“WVPP”) that most employers must have in place by July 1, 2024. You can access...more
The new paid sick leave requirements for California employers go into effect January 1, 2024. The increase in paid sick leave that must be provided is the central element of the legislation....more
The new paid sick leave requirements for California employers go into effect January 1, 2024. The increase in paid sick leave that must be provided is the central element of the legislation....more
California enacted several bills that require changes to Employee Handbooks before the end of the year. The areas which may require revision include...more
12/7/2023
/ California ,
Employee Handbooks ,
Employee Rights ,
Employer Liability Issues ,
Employment Policies ,
Labor Reform ,
NLRB ,
Non-Compete Agreements ,
Paid Time Off (PTO) ,
State Labor Laws ,
Wage and Hour ,
Workplace Violence
During the pandemic, when all non-essential workers were required to work remotely, several questions arose about who should pay for the work-from-home expenses. Earlier this month, the California Court of Appeal determined...more
On the first of the year, California’s new pay transparency law requiring pay scales in job postings took effect. Although the new legislation was passed in the fall, some requirements of the new law left more room for...more
As anticipated, on September 29, 2022, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 152, which immediately extends the obligation of employers with 26 or more employees to provide COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave (“SPSL”)...more
On Wednesday, the California Supreme Court held that the one hour of premium pay owed to an employee when they are not provided with a compliant meal or rest break constitutes “wages.” This ruling in Naranjo v. Spectrum...more
There are myriad risks associated with Independent Contractor (IC) status. In addition to overtime, minimum wage, and meal and rest period considerations, there is also the question of employee benefits such as vacation,...more
Now that Governor Newson has signed the SB 114 into law, California has officially implemented a new supplemental paid sick leave entitlement for designated COVID-19 related reasons. While this law becomes effective on...more
As discussed in our last alert, the Governor and California Legislature agreed to provide additional supplemental paid sick leave to California workers. Now a bill effectuating that leave has been released. Assembly Bill...more
On Tuesday, Governor Newsom announced that employees would soon be entitled to additional supplemental paid sick leave for COVID related absences. While the exact details of the new program are not fleshed out, employers of...more
In a surprising change of events, Cal/OSHA called a special meeting yesterday evening and voted to withdraw all the proposed revisions to the ETS it had approved last week. The vote was held after the Board again considered...more