By: Kristina Launey and Daniel Kim
As noted previously in this space, California already permits employees to take many kinds of protected time off not generally available in other parts of the country. In 2013, California’s Legislature presented workers with even more kinds of legally-protected absences. It is hard to begrudge leaves of absence for crime victims and emergency
Continue Reading ‘Tis the Season… New CA Laws Give Employees More Legally-Protected Time Off
By Maya Harel and Colleen M. Regan
As previously reported here one of the pieces of 2013 California legislation that made a big splash is Assembly Bill 10 (AB 10). AB 10 amends Labor Code § 1182.12 and raises California’s minimum wage in two steps over 18 months, from $8.00 to $9.00 per hour (on July 1, 2014) and then
Continue Reading Increasing the CA Minimum Wage Makes A Big Splash, But What Are The Ripple Effects?
By Dana Peterson and Coby Turner
Depending on your view of the world, California legislators have either implemented much-needed protections for California’s immigrant workforce, or they have given the legislative equivalent of a “gift” to dishonest employees this holiday season. Starting January 1, 2014, workers will have immunity from disciplinary action for providing updated “personal information” to their employer, including,
Continue Reading California Employees Have Even More Protections to be Thankful for This Year
October 13, 2013, marked the last day for California Governor Jerry Brown to sign or veto bills the Legislature sent to him for approval in the first half of the 2013-14 Regular Session. Of the bills we tracked as most relevant to our clients that made it to the Governor’s desk, the vast majority—18 of 23—will become
Continue Reading CA Legislature and Governor Pass More Employment Laws: End of 2013 Session Summary
Since the 2013 portion of this California Legislative session concluded in mid-September, a number of employment-related bills have gone to Governor Brown for consideration. As of today, the Governor has signed 8 of those bills into law, covering:
✓ Minimum wage increase, from $8 to $10/hour, over two years
✓ Criminal background checks for youth sports
This week sees California’s official adoption of two pro-employee measures:
1) Increase in the State Minimum Wage
This morning, Governor Brown signed AB 10. As we previously reported, this bill raises the minimum wage in two (2) $1.00 increments, from the current $8 per hour rate to $9 per hour effective July 1, 2014. Then to
Continue Reading CA Governor Approves Minimum Wage Increase and Expanded Paid Family Leave Bills
Last night — on the eve of the last day for the California Legislature to pass bills before interim recess in this 2013-2014 regular session — the Legislature sent to the Governor for signature AB 10, which, over time, will raise the minimum wage in California from $8.00 per hour to $10.00 per hour.
The Governor has already publicly
Continue Reading Bill To Increase CA Minimum Wage Headed To Governor, Sure to Pass
What happens when an employee makes a claim for unpaid wages, and wins? The employee, as the prevailing party, has a statutory right to recover the attorney’s fees reasonably incurred in achieving the victory.
What happens when an employee makes a claim for unpaid wages (other than minimum wage or overtime)[1] and loses? The employer, as prevailing party, could
Continue Reading Score Another One For Plaintiffs: CA Legislature Makes Claiming Statutory Fee Awards More Difficult for Winning California Employers In Wage Disputes
Starting January 1, 2014, unemancipated minors working as extras or background performers will be able to take home their full pay, and their employers will be relieved of the obligation to maintain a trust for those minors. AB 533, which Governor Brown signed into law yesterday, exempts employers of minors under contracts for artistic employment for services as an
Continue Reading Minding the Least Among Us: California Legislature Ensures Full Take-Home For “Minor” Minor Performers
Yesterday Governor Brown signed into law SB 292, by Senator Ellen Corbett, which amended the definition of harassment because of sex in the Fair Employment and Housing Act to specify that sexually harassing conduct need not be motivated by sexual desire.
The stated intent of the bill is to overturn the decision in Kelley v. Conco Companies, 196
Continue Reading California Legislature Eliminates “Sexual Desire”
