Author: James W. Ward
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
AB 5 Injunction Overturned
Once upon a (pre-pandemic) time, one of employers’ most pressing concerns was the independent contractor law (also known as AB 5) that took effect in…
American Rescue Plan Act COBRA Subsidy Model Notices, Guidance
Among the American Rescue Plan Act’s many provisions, it provides for 100 percent premium subsidies for health insurance continuation under the federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget…
California’s COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Is Back
On March 19, 2021, the Governor signed SB 95, bringing back the state’s COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave — with some big changes. SB 95…
COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance Released
On March 4, 2021, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) updated its COVID-19 guidance, addressing several vaccination-related questions. The updated guidance replaces…
