A reflection on labor and employment laws and issues and their impact on the future.
Independent Contractor Classification Greatly Restricted
Today, the California Legislature passed AB 5, a landmark bill that will require companies to treat workers as employees and not independent contractors if the companies exert control over how the workers perform their tasks or if their work is part of the companies’ regular business. Governor Newsom is expected to sign the bill. The […]
Continue readingCalifornia Passes Bill Protecting Natural Hair
On July 3rd, 2019, California Governor Newsom signed SB-188, The “CROWN Act” (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair), intended to protect students and employees who wear their hair in natural styles.
Continue readingSexual Harassment Training to Include Gender Identity
The Fair Employment and Housing Act already requires employers with 50 or more employees to provide at least two hours of sexual harassment training to supervisors every two years.
Continue reading“Ban the Box” and Salary History Ban to Take Effect
Two new state laws take effect on January 1, 2018 that will significantly affect employer hiring practices in California. Under the Fair Chance Act (AB 1008), California’s new “Ban the Box” law, employers with at least five employees will no longer be permitted to consider the criminal history of a job applicant until a conditional […]
Continue readingCalifornia Expands Eligibility for Baby Bonding Leave
California employers with less than 50 employees have been free from the obligation to comply with California and federal laws guaranteeing employee rights to family and medical leaves of absence. On January 1, 2018, that will change.
Continue readingStatewide Ban on Salary History Questions To Take Effect
On October 12, 2017, Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 168 into law. This new law, which applies to all employers regardless of size, prohibits inquiries into an applicant’s salary history. In addition, employers will now also be required to disclose the relevant pay scale for an open position upon reasonable request. There are a few […]
Continue readingNew California Regulations on Transgender Identity and Expression Take Effect
Under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), employers may not discriminate on the basis of the gender identity or gender expression of an employee or applicant. On July 1, 2017, newly amended California FEHA regulations on transgender identity and expression (which can be found here) took effect, specifically interpreting and expanding upon protections for […]
Continue readingEmployees’ Domestic Violence Leave Rights Expand
On September 14, 2016, Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 2337 into law, thereby expanding the requirement of employers to inform employees of their legal rights and protections regarding domestic violence leave (Labor Code sections 230 and 230.1).
Continue readingCalifornia’s Minimum Wage Will Quickly Increase
On Monday, April 4, 2016, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law a bill that will gradually raise the statewide minimum wage to $15 per hour.
Continue readingThe California Supreme Court Clarifies Suitable Seating
In a highly anticipated ruling, the California Supreme Court recently answered three questions certified to it by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in the case of Kilby v. CVS Pharmacy Inc. The questions related to Section 14 of California Industrial Welfare Commission (“IWC”) Wage Orders 4-2001 and 7-2001, which provide that “employees shall be provided […]
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