Author: James W. Ward

7046
Posted in COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Posters and Notices

New Law Still Requires Physical Workplace Postings

As HR practitioners are well aware, federal and California laws require employers to post a large number of notices in the workplace. These notices are…

3755
Posted in Independent Contractor

Proposition 22 Ruled Unconstitutional

California’s worker classification laws have seen significant developments in the last few years. Though the COVID-19 pandemic dominates our time and attention these days, worker…

3073
Posted in COBRA COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Posters and Notices

American Rescue Plan Act COBRA Subsidies Ending Soon

In March, the federal government passed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the third federal stimulus package enacted in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic….

3448
Posted in COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Disabilities

“Long COVID-19” May Be a Disability Under the ADA

On the recent anniversary of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Biden-Harris administration released resources supporting individuals experiencing long-term COVID-19 symptoms, sometimes called…

6588
Posted in Hiring

California Court Ruling Could Complicate Background Checks

California employers should take note of a recent appellate court case that could complicate employment background checks. When conducting background checks, it’s common to search…

3369
Posted in Health and Safety Workplace Safety

Protect Workers from Wildfire Smoke Exposure

We’re in the midst of California’s 2021 wildfire season, and given the state’s currently hot and dry climate, the California Department of Forestry and Fire…

hotel worker - right of recall
4293
Posted in COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Hiring

California’s COVID-19 Right of Recall Guidance Released

California’s limited COVID-19 right of recall law (SB 93) has been in effect since Governor Gavin Newsom signed it on April 16, 2021 — and…

Aug. 23 deadline
3605
Posted in Reporting Requirements

EEO-1 Reporting Deadline Extended

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has extended the 2019 and 2020 EEO-1 reporting deadline to August 23, 2021. All employers with 100 or…

3801
Posted in COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Workplace Safety

Once More, With Feeling: Cal/OSHA Withdraws Changes to COVID-19 Emergency Standard, Will Try Again

During an emergency meeting of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (OSHSB) on June 9, 2021, the OSHSB withdrew their proposed revisions to California’s…

3752
Posted in COBRA COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Posters and Notices

IRS Answers Questions About ARPA’s COBRA Subsidy

Several weeks after the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provided temporary Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) subsidies to eligible individuals, the IRS has issued…