Tag archives: California

US: Cal/OSHA publishes new standard that causes confusion for California employers

On May 28, 2021, the employer community got its first glimpse of a revised Cal/OSHA emergency, temporary standard (ETS) for COVID-19 that may become law by June 15, 2021. That day—June 15—is significant because it is the date the governor set as a goal for California to “fully open its economy.” In addition, the CDC’s … Continue reading

US: Combating Human Trafficking of Domestic Workers In The United States

By Kevin Mayer (US) and Jackie Karama (US) on March 22, 2021 Posted in North America, United States

It is difficult to imagine that the evil of human trafficking, and all the pain and suffering it entails, can still be so pervasive this deep into the 21st Century. One would have expected that contemporary domestic and international law enforcement, to say nothing of the United Nations and all the monies it has at … Continue reading

US: Latest California Labor & Employment Developments from January 2021

By Josh Henderson (US) on January 29, 2021 Posted in Coronavirus, General, North America, United States

This past month saw the inauguration of President Biden, who promptly took steps that will have an immediate impact on California employers. Plus, new COVID-related laws took effect, some expired (but may be re-enacted), and a federal appeals court eased the meal/rest break burden on the transportation industry. For a brief summary of these an … Continue reading

California imposes new requirement of a COVID-19 Prevention Program

By Josh Henderson (US) on November 25, 2020 Posted in Coronavirus, United States

With the approval of Cal/OSHA’s new COVID-19 regulations, the proponents of action-taking won out over those who felt California’s existing laws, regulations, and enforcement arsenal were sufficient to meet the moment. It’s clear that California likes to lead—though it’s not the first state to enact specific COVID-19 standards (Virginia and Oregon got there first).… Continue reading

US: California employers must take measures to curb workplace spread of coronavirus under emergency CAL/OSHA rules

By Josh Henderson (US) and Jackie Karama (US) on November 22, 2020 Posted in Coronavirus, North America, United States

The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board has approved emergency, temporary COVID-19 regulations under California’s Occupational Safety & Health Act. California employers must now establish specific measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 in nearly every workplace in California. The emergency regulations, which the Standards Board approved on Thursday night by a unanimous vote, … Continue reading

US: California: San Francisco employees laid off due to COVID-19 may have reemployment rights under new ordinance

By Josh Henderson (US) and Phillip Di Tullio (US) on July 13, 2020 Posted in Coronavirus, United States

On July 3, San Francisco’s new “Back to Work” emergency ordinance took effect, requiring employers to rehire certain employees laid off as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic when the employer seeks to fill the same position formerly held by the laid-off worker, or a substantially similar position. The ordinance will expire on September 2, … Continue reading

US: California court addresses legality of unlimited or uncapped vacation policies

By Josh Henderson (US) and Phillip Di Tullio (US) on May 13, 2020 Posted in North America, United States

Recently, in McPherson v. EF Intercultural Foundation, Inc., the California Court of Appeals addressed the legality of unlimited or uncapped vacation policies under California law. Three exempt employees sued the company for payment of unused vacation time at termination, despite being subject to an unlimited paid time off policy, because they argued the policy was … Continue reading

US: Employer obligations for COVID-19 mandated remote work expenses (California and beyond)

By David Kessler (US), Josh Henderson (US) and Susana Medeiros (US) on March 27, 2020 Posted in Coronavirus, North America, United States

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, many employers are requiring their employees to work remotely (either voluntarily or because several states, including California and New York, have imposed social distancing restrictions). The new work-from-home reality has implications for employers with workers employed in California and other states, as described in COVID-19: Working from home and … Continue reading

Paid sick days law in California is amended

By Arthur F. Silbergeld and Bennett Kaspar (US) on August 19, 2015 Posted in United States

The California Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014 (“the Act”) went into effect on January 1, 2015, but its key accrual and use provisions became effective on July 1. On July 13, 2015, Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 304, amending California’s Sick Leave law to make immediate changes. Those amendments state: Employers may … Continue reading