Author: Matthew J. Roberts, Esq.

1019
Posted in Exempt/Nonexempt

From the Experts: Don’t Assume Workers in Similar Jobs Will Be Exempt from Wage Order

We employ several workers in a similar job role at our organization. If we determine that one of the employees satisfies an exemption from the…

California’s Healthcare Worker Minimum Wage Rates Increase on July 1
5158
Posted in Minimum Wage

California’s Healthcare Worker Minimum Wage Rates Increase on July 1

On October 16, 2024, California’s healthcare worker minimum wage took effect with different rates for different types of covered healthcare facilities. And on July 1,…

FMCSA Regulations Override California’s Meal and Rest Break Rules
2503
Posted in Meal and Rest Break

FMCSA Regulations Override California’s Meal and Rest Break Rules

For the last several years, California and other interested parties have fought in court over whether California’s meal and rest break laws can be enforced…

Time Off Request for Religious Reasons: Case-by-Case Decision Is Best
3404
Posted in Discrimination

From the Experts: Time Off Request for Religious Reasons: Case-by-Case Decision Is Best

An employee approached me asking for time off due to “religious reasons.” We aren’t sure whether the employee has a religious reason for the time…

NLRB Rescinds Most Recent Joint Employer Rule
3688
Posted in Labor Relations

NLRB Rescinds Most Recent Joint Employer Rule

In 2023, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) published a final rule updating its joint employer test to be more expansive for applying the National…

New Regulations Proposed for Enforcing PAGA Reform
4014
Posted in Wage and Hour

New Regulations Proposed for Enforcing PAGA Reform

Enacted in 2024, legislation reforming the Private Attorneys General Act of 2004 (PAGA) brought sweeping changes designed to better serve the goals of California wage-and-hour…

6193
Posted in General

Supreme Court Clarifies Rules Around Illegible Arbitration Agreements

While California employers have the right to require employees to sign arbitration agreements for any employment disputes that may arise, the rules around valid arbitration…

EEOC Addresses National Origin Discrimination Against American Workers
4865
Posted in Discrimination

EEOC Addresses National Origin Discrimination Against American Workers

Employers who utilize workers on visa programs, such as the H1-B visa program, have seen recent developments that have made the use of the program…

Religious Beliefs and Job Requirements Must Conflict for Religious Discrimination Claims
5961
Posted in Discrimination

Religious Beliefs and Job Requirements Must Conflict for Religious Discrimination Claims

Not only does Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protect employees from discrimination based upon their religious beliefs, but it also obligates employers to…

District Court Enjoins SB 399 Enforcement Limiting Employer Speech
5603
Posted in Discipline Workplace Policies

District Court Enjoins SB 399 Enforcement Limiting Employer Speech

On September 30, 2025, the U.S. District Court preliminarily enjoined enforcement of SB 399, which prohibited employers from taking — or threatening to take — adverse…