Author: James W. Ward

11205
Posted in Compensation

2020 IRS Mileage Rates

On December 31, 2019 the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) finally issued the 2020 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile…

4552
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…

4998
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
4372
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
5262
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….

11161
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)…

3749
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…

4339
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)…

5310
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…

5429
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…