Author: Matthew J. Roberts, Esq.

While emergency wildfire smoke regulations are in effect, Cal/OSHA is preparing permanent regulations that may affect more employers.
3467
Posted in Health and Safety Workplace Safety

Cal/OSHA Renews Emergency Wildfire Smoke Regulations

This year’s dry, windy winter has government agencies predicting a quicker start to wildfire season. As you may recall, last summer, the California Division of…

California flu coronavirus
3210
Posted in COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Workplace Safety

Coronavirus and Flu: Managing Illnesses in the Workplace

Lately, the coronavirus has been a hot topic of conversation, social media and the news; last week, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex…

4851
Posted in Holiday Pay Time Off

Paying Employees for Holidays, Holiday Closures

If we close our worksite for a holiday, do we have to pay our employees for the day? The answer depends on the employer’s policies…

3428
Posted in Independent Contractor

Questions About California’s New Independent Contractor Law? State Creates AB 5 Resource Website

Last week, California Labor and Workforce Development Agency Secretary Julie Su announced a new resource website for workers and business on AB 5, California’s new…

3018
Posted in Benefits

Don’t Forget to Prepare Employee Flexible Spending Account Notices

As previously reported, the end of the year is a great time for employees to take advantage of any flexible spending account dollars (FSA) they…

2863
Posted in General

2019 Wacky Employment Law Situations

We may be overwhelmed with all the new employment-related laws coming January 1, but here are a few light-hearted (and downright wacky) employment law stories…

3309
Posted in Workplace Policies

Addressing Workplace Romances After #MeToo

The #MeToo movement has shined a much-needed light on unwanted and unwelcome conduct in the workplace, but consensual romantic workplace relationships continue to be a murkier…

penalties calculation
4219
Posted in Meal and Rest Break

Ruling Clarifies Meal, Rest Break Penalties Calculation

On Wednesday, October 9, 2019, the California Court of Appeal issued a long-awaited clarification of California’s meal and rest break penalty provision (Ferra v. Loews Hollywood…

3116
Posted in Overtime

Federal Overtime Final Rule Effective January 2020

As reported earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) proposed an update to the federal overtime rules that would increase the salary threshold…

2285
Posted in General

Major Employment-Related Bills Sent to California Governor

We’ve wrapped up another legislative session in California at last. Friday, September 13 was the deadline for the Legislature to pass any bills. Governor Gavin…