Author: James W. Ward

4421
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
3785
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
4167
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….

9767
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)…

3128
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…

3707
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)…

4600
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…

4841
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…

5429
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…

3246
Posted in Compensation

Ninth Circuit Rejects Nike’s De Minimis Argument for Security Screenings

Even if an off-the-clock task, such as an exit inspection, is less than a minute, the de minimis principle likely does not apply under California…