In light of recent wildfires across Southern California, employers should make sure they are familiar with California’s wildfire smoke standard. Sadly, harmful air quality from wildfire smoke can occur anywhere in the state on short notice, so it is
Latest from California Workplace Law Blog
Showdown Over Workplace Speech – Litigation Filed to Enjoin SB 399 Prohibiting Mandatory Meetings During Union Organizing
On January 1, 2025, Senate (SB) Bill 399, officially went into effect in California. California joined other states, including Illinois, Connecticut, Hawaii, New York, and Oregon, in enacting statutes that prohibit “captive audience” meetings, similarly limiting employers’ ability to
California Supreme Court Cases Employers Should Watch in 2025
The California Supreme Court issued several important decisions in 2024 about issues such as the application of PAGA to public employees and the definition of “hours worked.”
Several cases are pending before the state’s high court. Here are the
Wage and Benefit Enhancements Underway for City of Los Angeles Airport and Hotel Employees
Recently, the Los Angeles City Council approved a motion to amend the Living Wage Ordinance (LWO) and the Hotel Worker Minimum Wage Ordinance (HWMO), which will impact airport and hospitality workers, respectively. On December 11, 2024, the City Council
California’s Governor Proclaims a State of Emergency for Bird Flu
On December 18, 2024, Governor Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency to streamline and expedite the state’s response to Avian influenza A (H5N1), commonly known as “Bird Flu.”
This may give many employers flashbacks to the COVID-19 Pandemic and shelter-in-place
New FAQs on California Paid Sick Leave Unveiled
The Labor Commissioner’s office recently published an updated version of its Frequently Asked Questions Page for California Paid Sick Leave.
Here are some of the highlights of the updates:
Agricultural Employees
The FAQs were updated to reflect changes made
A Reminder of Changes to California Workplace Law from 2024
As we wrap up 2024, here is a review of some of the changes to California employment law that will continue to affect employers in 2025.
Legislative Changes
Governor Signs Bill to Exempt Certain Businesses from Fast Food Minimum Wage
New Notice Published to Comply with Labor Code Section 1102.8
Pursuant to Assembly Bill (AB 2299), the Labor Commissioner was required to develop a model list of employee rights and responsibilities under existing whistleblower laws.
The Labor Commissioner had previously issued a sample notice which included a disclaimer that
California Votes No On Proposition 32 But Minimum Wage Increases Still Coming
Voters in California rejected Proposition 32, which would have increased the minimum wage to $18 for all employers by 2026. Under the proposition, the minimum wage increases depended on the size of the employer. Specifically, employers with 26 or more
Overtime Exemption Rates for Computer Software Employees and Physicians in 2025
For an employee to be exempt from overtime under California law, their job must fall into a specific exempt category.
The most common exemptions are for executive, administrative, and professional roles. Employees in these capacities generally qualify if their work