ATTENTION CALIFORNIA EMPLOYERS: NEW PAGA FAQs UNMUDDLE THE MURKY WATERS OF REFORM
As we previously reported HERE, in July 2024, Governor Newsom signed into law a pair of bills that significantly reformed the state’s Private Attorneys General Act (“PAGA”). While the reform constituted a big victory for employers, it also left them high and dry to navigate the uncertain waters of uncharted territory. In a timely rescue, the California […]
ATTENTION CALIFORNIA EMPLOYERS: NINTH CIRCUIT SAYS PERSONAL SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS CAN CONSTITUTE WORKPLACE HARASSMENT
On July 25, 2024, in Okonowsky v. Garland, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit held that harassing conduct that occurs outside the workplace – including conduct perpetrated through personal, off-duty social media posts – can constitute actionable workplace harassment for which employers may be held liable. Facts Plaintiff Lindsay Okonowsky worked as […]
ATTENTION CALIFORNIA EMPLOYERS: TRICK? OR TREAT? GET READY FOR THE TOP 10 NEW LAWS CREEPING INTO YOUR WORKPLACE
It’s that spooky time of year again for California employers – Governor Newsom has spoken but, fear not, we have narrowed it down. Whether you’re an employer who eagerly awaits the annual list or one who dreads its return, all employers should be aware of these significant new employment laws heading to the Golden State. To prepare […]
ATTENTION CALIFORNIA EMPLOYERS: NEW LAW SIGNIFICANTLY EXPANDS PROTECTIONS FOR VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE (AND OBLIGATIONS FOR EMPLOYERS)
On September 29, Governor Newsom signed into law AB2499, enacting a sweeping set of changes to California’s “jury, court, and victim time off” law, with the most significant amendments expanding the scope of protection under the “victim time off” provisions. AB2499 reframes existing workplace protections for victims of violence by redefining eligibility for protection and broadening […]
ATTENTION CALIFORNIA EMPLOYERS: COWORKER’S ONE-TIME USE OF A RACIAL SLUR MAY CONSTITUTE ACTIONABLE HARASSMENT…
. . . and employers may be held liable. On July 29, 2024, in Bailey v. San Francisco District Attorney’s Office (2024) 16 Cal.5th 611,the California Supreme Court held that an isolated act of harassment may be actionable under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (“FEHA”), if it is sufficiently severe in light of the totality […]
Good News for California Employers: PAGA Reform Has Arrived.
On July 1, 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Private Attorneys General Act (“PAGA”) reform bills AB2288 and SB92 into law, enacting the most significant reform of the law in its 20-year history. The purpose of the new law, which applies to all PAGA actions filed on June 19, 2024 or later, is to provide relief […]
CALIFORNIA EMPLOYERS BE GUIDED: CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT CLARIFIES COMPENSABLE “HOURS WORKED”; CALIFORNIA PRIVACY PROTECTION AGENCY EMPHASIZES “DATA MINIMIZATION” PRINCIPLES
Only halfway through 2024, California employers – who are no strangers to change – have already felt the impact of several developments this year, ranging from the now-effective changes under the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan law, Cal/OSHA’s indoor heat illness prevention standard, and PAGA reform to the soon-to-be effective changes under Los Angeles County’s Fair […]
ATTENTION CALIFORNIA EMPLOYERS: MIDYEAR ROUNDUP OF GOLDEN STATE LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS BRINGS A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (PAGA REFORM!) AND SEVERAL HEADACHES FOR EMPLOYERS
Ocean waves aren’t the only thing washing over the Golden State this summer – California employers should brace themselves for a tidal wave of changes that may impact their workplace this season. This midyear roundup highlights what you need to know about recent legal developments of significance to California employers, including: Key changes under the PAGA […]
ATTENTION CALIFORNIA EMPLOYERS: HAVE NO FEAR – PAGA REFORM IS FINALLY HERE!
Much to the relief of employers everywhere in California, PAGA reform has officially arrived! As a brief recap, on June 18, 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom, in partnership with legislative leaders and business groups, announced an agreement to significantly reform the Private Attorneys General Act (“PAGA”) – the most substantive overhaul in its 20-year history. On June 21, details […]