There are a number of important employment law developments from 2017 that take affect in the New Year. Stay on top of of this new legislation and Join Us for a comprehensive webinar so you can best protect your company against employment related liability.
“Ban-the-Box” – Expansion statewide
If you don’t know what Ban the Box is, it is the name of the movement by civil rights advocates for ex-offenders. This movement aims to persuade employers to remove the check box on hiring applications that ask to disclose if applicants have a criminal record.
Salary History – New limitations
Governor Jerry Brown signed a new law on Oct 13th that bars employers from requesting the pay history of job applicants.
Meal and Rest Periods – Employers continue to need to be aware of developments in this changing area
Meal and rest break compliance seem to be the continuous source of litigation for California employers. Understanding and complying with the meal and rest break rules is important, employers must communicate clearly the legal requirements of California employee break laws to nonexempt workers and ensure they have the opportunity to take meal or rest breaks.
Wage and Hour Developments – De minimis time, security checks, off-the-clock work and exempt status, among other developments
Under California wage and hour law highlights the dangers employers face if they fail to provide statutorily required meal and rest breaks to their employyees, or fail to pay salaried employees all of the compensation owed to them at the end of their employment.
Minimum Wage Increases – Employers need to be aware of changes at both the state and local level
California wages will increase from the start of January 2018 to $11 and $11.50. This was put in order through step increments until 2023. Though there are some exceptions, effective this past Jan 1st, 2017, the minimum wage for all industries will be increased yearly. From Jan 1st, 2017 to Jan 1st, 2023 wages will increase from $10 to $15 for employers with 25 employees or less. From Jan 1st, 2017 to Jan 1st, 2022 wages will increase from $10.50 to $15 for employers with 26 employees or more. This could be subject to change due to the Governors determinations.
Workplace Harassment – New DFEH guidance
California law or FEHA prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation. The law also requires that employers take action to prevent and correct wrongful conduct in the workplace. The DFEH is California’s enforcement agency related to the obligations under the FEHA.
Discrimination in the Workplace – New cases provide important guidance
This past year had given us some of the most relevant employment cases for the LGBT(lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) and ADA (Americans with disabilites) communities. Along with some other legal cases with FMLA (family and medical leave act), the Equal pay act, the FCRA (Fair credit reporting act), the fair labor standard act and age discrimination.
New Decisions by the NLRB
The National Labor Relations Board is an independent Government agency with responsibilities for enforcing US labor law in relation to collective bargaining and unfair labor practices.
What you can expect to learn at the webinar:
- Current legislative changes
- Where to evaluate existing policies for possible changes
- How to minimize employment risks for your company