Author: James W. Ward
California’s Monkeypox State of Emergency
On August 1, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to support California’s ongoing response to the monkeypox virus. In doing so, California joins…
Updated Cal/OSHA, EEOC COVID-19 Guidance
While COVID-19 guidance, orders and regulatory changes haven’t been as frequent as they were in the past two years, employers should review a couple of…
CDPH Alters Cal/OSHA COVID-19 ETS Definitions
On June 8, 2022, the California Department of Public Heath (CDPH) issued an order updating definitions for “close contact” and “infectious period” as they relate…
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…
