Overview: There are many new laws for 2021 that California employers must be aware of and potentially take prompt action to comply with.  From COVID-19 related laws (including notice and reporting requirements, workers’ compensation liability presumptions, and handwashing rules for food industry workers) to worker classification issues (employees versus independent contractors), the new laws are [...]

Overview:  Holiday pay is not required by law.  Rather, it is at the discretion of each employer.  If an employer chooses to provide paid time off during the holidays (or extra pay for holidays worked), a clear written policy should set forth the rules and terms.  Any employment practice that disfavors certain employees due to [...]

Overview:   Cal/OSHA recently adopted an emergency standard for COVID-19 prevention in the workplace, effective November 30, 2020.  Significant new requirements have been imposed on California employers, including the requirement to continue paying employees excluded from work for having been exposed to COVID-19.  The emergency regulation will be in effect for 180 days, which may be [...]

Every California employer with 5 or more employees must comply with California’s mandatory sexual harassment training requirements (as set forth in Senate Bill No. 1343). In August 2019, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill No. 778, which clarified several ambiguities pertaining to these requirements and extended the deadline to January 1, 2021.  Employers must ensure their [...]