Author Archives: Jay Butchko
California Law Now Requires Employers to Pay All Training and Testing Costs for “Food Handlers”
On January 1, 2024, Senate Bill 476 (SB 476) officially took effect in California. The law makes employers in the state responsible for bearing all of the training and testing costs associated with “food handler” registration/licensure in California. Here, our Riverside County employment attorney provides a comprehensive overview of employer duties under SB 476…. Read More »
California’s Unemployment Rate is Starting to Rise: Steps for Employers that Want to Defend a Claim
On January 19, 2024, Courthouse News Service reported that California’s unemployment rate jumped to 5.1 percent—the highest level that it has been at more than two years. An employee who lost a job has the right to file for unemployment benefits. At the same time, an employer can challenge a claim. Within this article,… Read More »
Can Employers Still Include Arbitration Provisions in Employment Agreements in California? (An Update for 2024)
Several years ago, lawmakers in California moved to effectively ban mandatory arbitration provisions. After extensive litigation, that proposed law (AB 51) is effectively dead. As of 2024, employers can include a properly drafted mandatory arbitration clause in an employment contract in California. Here, our Riverside County employment lawyer explains the key things that businesses… Read More »
California Regulators Cracking Down On Wage and Hour Violations (A Lesson for Employers)
California regulators are cracking down on wage and hour violations by employers. On January 23, 2024, the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) announced a settlement by which The Cheesecake Factory will pay more than $1 million in back wages and other damages to nearly 600 janitorial workers in California. Here, our California employment… Read More »
California Regulators Recover More than $1 Million from Employer for Wage and Hour Violation—Case Shows Importance of Prevailing Wage Compliance
On December 13th, 2023, the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) announced that more than $1 million in penalties have been recovered from private employers for prevailing wage violations. Two Riverside-based contractors—Stronghold Engineering (a general contractor) and Perry Coast Construction (Stronghold’s subcontractor)—were cited for failing to pay a prevailing wage on a public project…. Read More »
Tesla Moves to Pause Discrimination Lawsuit in California Federal Court
On December 19, 2023, Reuters reported Tesla—the now Texas-based electric vehicle manufacturer—has filed a motion to get a major employment discrimination case dismissed from a federal court in California. Here, our Riverside County employment law attorney for employers explains the case in more detail. Tesla Moves for Pause of Discrimination Lawsuit in Complex Federal… Read More »
Is an Employer Required to Offer Bereavement Leave in California?
What happens if an employee requests leave to attend a funeral? In California, it is imperative that employers have the right policies in place to handle such requests. As of last year, all employers in California with five or more employees must grant workers at least five days of unpaid, job-protected bereavement leave if… Read More »
Preparing Employers for 2024: Four Changes to California Workplace Regulations
With a new year comes new laws. In California, legislators have recently enacted a number of different important labor and employment law changes. All companies and organizations should ensure that they are prepared. Here, our Riverside employment law attorney highlights four changes to California workplace laws that employers should address for 2024. Increased Minimum… Read More »
How Should an Employer in California Respond to a CRD Complaint?
The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) is the state agency that is responsible for enforcing many civil rights laws, including employment regulations. What happens if your company receives notice of a CRD complaint? It is imperative that you respond proactively. Here, our California employer defense attorney highlights the steps that a business or an… Read More »
Employers Must Be Aware of Local Wage and Hour Ordinances
Employers must comply with federal and state wage and hour laws. These regulations are designed to ensure workers are paid fairly. Notably, a growing number of cities and counties in California have now enacted their own local wage and hour ordinances. It is imperative that businesses comply with these regulations as well. Here, our… Read More »
