Author: James W. Ward
U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Allows Arbitration of Individual PAGA Claims
In a win for California employers, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled today that individual claims under the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) can be compelled…
CA Supreme Court Rules Meal, Rest Break Premiums Are Wages
On May 23, 2022, the California Supreme Court handed down another employee-friendly opinion, ruling that premium pay for missed meal and rest periods are wages…
EEOC, DOJ Guidance on Using AI, Algorithms in Employment
Employers commonly use computer-based tools to assist in employment matters such as hiring workers, monitoring performance, and determining pay and/or promotions as well as other…
California Minimum Wage Projected to Increase to $15.50
On May 12, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California’s minimum wage is projected to increase to $15.50 per hour for all employers, regardless of…
Guidance Released on Updated COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS)
As previously reported, on April 21, 2022, the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (OSHSB) approved a third readoption of the California Division of Occupational Safety and…
Can Employees Sue for Unwanted Birthday Parties?
In Kentucky, a former employee was recently awarded $450,000 after an unwanted birthday party. HR professionals across the country have been clicking on these headlines…
Ninth Circuit Asks California Supreme Court About FEHA Liability for Agents of Employers
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has asked the California Supreme Court to determine whether a business entity acting as an agent of an employer…
New Federal Law Prohibits Forced Arbitration of Sexual Harassment, Assault Claims
On March 3, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act of 2021 (the Act), which…
California Again Relaxes Face Covering Rules, Updates Workplace Safety Rules
Following the universal indoor face covering requirement’s expiration and the state’s SMARTER plan unveiling, California took another step forward in its efforts to move past…
Labor Commissioner Releases COVID-19 Supplemental Sick Leave Guidance
Following closely on the heels of releasing its COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave (SPSL) poster, the California Labor Commissioner published new guidance, a series of…
