Employment Development Department

Seyfarth Synopsis: Collaborations with athletes, actors, and singers have always been a great way for companies to grow their brand recognition and create profitable products. Similar to celebrity-filled ads in the Super Bowl, collaborative relationships between influencers and companies on social media continue to be prevalent. With California’s unique laws on classifying independent contractors, including how “work made for

Continue Reading Avoiding Fumbles and Penalties in California with Influencer Classification

Seyfarth Synopsis: California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an Executive Order suspending some Cal-WARN Act obligations, attempting to ease struggling employers’ obligations in the face of COVID-19; but note that employers must still comply with critical remaining obligations.

Executive Order N-31-20

Employers struggling with tough layoff decisions and confusing legal obligations might have breathed a small sigh of relief upon learning
Continue Reading WARNing Shot: Newsom Semi-suspends Cal-WARN; Critical Obligations Remain

Seyfarth Synopsis: Companies marketing through social media are likely familiar with social media influencers like the Kardashian/Jenners in cosmetics, DanTDM in gaming, and Kayla Itsines in fitness. California companies using the services of such influencers must be mindful, as always, of California peculiarities when it comes to classifying these individuals as contractors or employees.

As anyone who
Continue Reading Hiring Influencers: Are You Playing With Fyre?

Seyfarth Synopsis: The ordinary headaches of responding to unemployment claims with the EDD do not have to bog down employers in 2018. Here, we provide recommendations for managers to consider before the ball drops in Times Square this New Year.

’Tis the season to be jolly, sing holiday songs with family by the fire, and aspire to reach new
Continue Reading Don’t “Shoot Your Eye Out” Defending Unemployment Benefits Claims

Seyfarth Synopsis: Countless California employers have found that veterans make outstanding employees. As we approach the Veterans Day holiday, read on for a list of the benefits of hiring veterans, as well as helpful resources for veterans seeking employment. We further discuss some state and federal job protections for employees who are in the military.

Why Hire a Vet? 

There
Continue Reading Happy Veterans Day! Celebrate the Benefits of Hiring California Veterans

Seyfarth Synopsis:  Starting Jan 1, 2018, the amount of benefits paid to employees on paid family leave and state disability will increase substantially, depending on an employee’s income level.

The Legislature and Governor have been keeping very busy. On April 11, 2016, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law AB 908, which will, though effective January 1, 2017, increase, for
Continue Reading California Governor Brown Signs Legislation to Expand Paid Family Leave