Author Archives: Jay Butchko
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 »
California Lawmakers Pass Caste Discrimination Bill, But it is Not Yet Law
On August 24, 2023, the California State Assembly overwhelmingly voted in favor of Senate Bill (SB) 403—legislation that will bar caste discrimination in the workplace in the state. As the bill already passed the state senate earlier this year, and Governor Newsom vetoed the Bill in October, it is not clear as of this… Read More »
An Overview of AB 1228 (Regulations for Fast Food Employers in California)
On September 28, 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1228 (AB 1228) into law. It is a controversial—and previously delayed—law that will have major implications for the fast food industry in our state. Here, our Coachella Valley and Riverside County employment lawyers highlight key things that fast food employers need to know… Read More »
An Overview of Best Practices for California Employers Who Receive a Reasonable Accommodation Request from an Employee
Federal law and California law provide certain workplace protections to employees with disabilities. It is imperative that employers comply fully with their legal obligations. Among other things, employers must handle reasonable accommodation requests in a proper, professional and lawful manner. Here, our California workplace solutions attorney provides a basic overview of the best practices… Read More »
What Employers Need to Know About California’s New Paid Sick Leave Law (SB 616)
On October 4, 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 616 (SB 616) into law. The statute expands paid sick level protections for workers. It is crucial that all employers in California understand what responsibilities they have—and evaluate whether their obligations are changing—as of SB 616’s effective date, January 1, 2024. In this… Read More »