Author: James W. Ward

3210
Posted in Compensation

New DOL-Issued Final Rule Updates ‘Regular Rate’ of Pay

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently announced a final rule that updates regulations governing the “regular rate” of pay under the Fair Labor Standards…

3802
Posted in Privacy

California Consumer Privacy Act — Employers Need to Be Ready January 1

Starting January 1, 2020, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) significantly changes California’s consumer data collection rules and give consumers more control over how businesses…

Employers air quality index outdoor wildfire smoke
3006
Posted in Health and Safety

California Wildfires: Remember Employers Must Protect Outdoor Workers From Wildfire Smoke

Right now, firefighters across California are battling multiple wildfires, which are destroying property and prompting the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people. Wildfires are…

2020 employment laws
3242
Posted in General

Governor Newsom Signs New 2020 Employment Laws

Sunday, October 13, 2019, was the last day for Governor Gavin Newsom to either sign or veto legislation that the California Legislature passed in 2019….

7892
Posted in Discrimination Harassment

New California FEHA Regulations ‘Clarify’ Definition of Employer

Heads up, employers — new Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) regulations are now effective. In June 2019, the Fair Employment and Housing Council (FEHC)…

2498
Posted in Workplace Policies

Employees Cannot Recover Wages Under PAGA

The California Supreme Court recently determined that employees cannot recover unpaid wages on behalf of themselves and other aggrieved employees under the Private Attorneys General…

2929
Posted in FMLA/CFRA

DOL Opinion: Using FMLA Leave to Attend Child’s Special Education Meetings

The Department of Labor (DOL) recently issued an opinion letter confirming that parents may take time off under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)…

3767
Posted in Form I-9

ICE Heats Up Form I-9 Audits: What California Employers Need to Do If They Get a Notice

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued thousands of Form I-9 audit notices this summer. As ICE worksite enforcement continues to increase, California employers need…

4073
Posted in Workplace Safety

California Emergency Wildfire Smoke Regulation Now in Effect

On July 29, 2019, the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board’s emergency regulation to protect outdoor workers from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke…

4182
Posted in Workplace Policies

Need to Reimburse Restaurant Employees for Non-Slip Black Shoes? Court Says No

When must employers reimburse employees’ expenses? It depends, of course, on the circumstances. As previously reported, some employees submit unusual and even hilarious expense reports…