For 2025, employers already have two updated posting requirements, as California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed two bills bringing changes to employers’ workers’ compensation and whistleblower posters.
First, new information will need to be added to the Workers’ Compensation Notice to Employees —Injuries Caused By Work. Under current law, employers are required to display, in a conspicuous location frequented by all employees, an informational poster that details employees’ workers’ compensation rights, for which the Division of Workers’ Compensation created the above model notice.
Now, AB 1870 adds new information; specifically, effective January 1, 2025, in addition to existing required information, the poster must inform employees that they may consult a licensed attorney to advise them of their rights under workers’ compensation laws and that, in most instances, attorney’s fees will be paid from the injured employee’s recovery.
Second, California law requires employers to display a list of employees’ rights and responsibilities under the state’s whistleblower laws. While the California Labor Commissioner provides a sample notice, it notes that it doesn’t guarantee compliance with the posting requirements. This whistleblower notice must be written in a font larger than 14 point and contain the whistleblower hotline’s telephone number.
Now, effective January 1, 2025, AB 2299 requires the California Labor Commissioner to develop a model notice that otherwise complies with existing requirements so employers posting this model poster will be deemed in compliance with the law.
Remember, although California law allows electronic distribution of required California required notices via email, it doesn’t change an employer’s obligation to physically display posters in the workplace, including where employees work remotely 100% of the time.
Whether employers use individual posters or a combination poster like CalChamber’s all-in-one California and Federal Labor Law poster, employers should keep these changes in mind as they plan their 2025 poster needs. CalChamber’s 2025 posters will be available for pre-order starting October 1.
James W. Ward, Employment Law Subject Matter Expert/Legal Writer and Editor
CalChamber members can read more about Required Posters and Pamphlets in the HR Library. Not a member? Learn more about how HRCalifornia can help you.
