Author: James W. Ward

Model Crime Victims’ Leave Notice Released
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Posted in Posters and Notices

Model Crime Victims’ Leave Notice Released

While most of California’s revised and expanded crime victims’ leave requirements took effect on January 1, 2025, the notice provision didn’t go into effect until…

Domestic Worker Employers Subject to Workplace Safety Rules Staring July 1
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Posted in Workplace Safety

Domestic Worker Employers Subject to Workplace Safety Rules Staring July 1

The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) recently reminded employers of domestic workers that California’s workplace safety and health laws — enforced by the California…

California Labor Commissioner Issues Immigration Compliance Reminders
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Posted in Form I-9

California Labor Commissioner Issues Immigration Compliance Reminders

The California Labor Commissioner recently reminded California employers about California’s immigration laws and protections, highlighting that they protect every worker in the state — regardless…

U.S. Supreme Court Issues ‘Reverse Discrimination’ Decision
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Posted in Discrimination

U.S. Supreme Court Issues ‘Reverse Discrimination’ Decision

The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that members of a majority group claiming workplace discrimination do not need to meet a heightened evidentiary standard to…

California CRD’s New Age Discrimination Fact Sheet
2651
Posted in Discrimination

California CRD’s New Age Discrimination Fact Sheet

To coincide with California Governor Gavin Newsom’s proclamation that May is Older Californians Month, the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) published a new fact sheet…

Federal Court Vacates EEOC’s Abortion Accommodation Requirement
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Posted in Pregnancy Disability Leave

Federal Court Vacates EEOC’s Abortion Accommodation Requirement

On May 21, 2025, a federal court in Louisiana vacated a portion of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) regulations,…

2024 EEO-1 Data Collection Now Open, Closes June 24
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Posted in Reporting Requirements

2024 EEO-1 Data Collection Now Open, Closes June 24

On May 20, 2025, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced the opening of the 2024 EEO-1 Component 1 data collection. Employers have until…

U.S. DOL Reconsiders Independent Contractor, Overtime Rules
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Posted in Independent Contractor Overtime

U.S. DOL Reconsiders Independent Contractor, Overtime Rules

On May 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a field assistance bulletin stating it intends not to enforce its 2024 independent contractor…

Executive Order Seeks to Eliminate Disparate Impact Discrimination Liability
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Posted in Discrimination

Executive Order Seeks to Eliminate Disparate Impact Discrimination Liability

Through executive actions, President Trump has issued orders addressing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, federal contractor minimum wage and affirmative action obligations, among many others….

Prospective Meal Period Waivers Are Valid
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Posted in Meal and Rest Break

Prospective Meal Period Waivers Are Valid

In a recent case, a California Court of Appeal handed employers a rare win, finding nonexempt employees’ written prospective meal waivers — meaning employees signed…