On July 1, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two bills to reform the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), long subject of great concern among California employers who have suffered years of frivolous employment-related litigation. The bills were the result of talks among representatives of business, labor, and legislative leadership aimed at reaching a compromise to address […]
FELS Newsletter: July 2024
Exempt vs. Non-Exempt Classification: FAQs
Jennifer ShawShaw Law Group The proper classification of employees as exempt or non-exempt is often at the root of wage and hour litigation, and there are many common misunderstandings about the subject. Below are some of the questions Shaw Law Group attorneys most frequently receive about employee classification: Q: Are all salaried employees exempt?A: No! […]
EEOC Guidance on Workplace Harassment: What Employers Need to Know
Last fall, I reported on a proposed Enforcement Guidance issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on workplace harassment. I gave the proposed guidance a good review overall, although I had some disagreements here and there. The final version of the Guidance was issued April 29 and took effect that day. Overall, I still think […]
Cal/OSHA Standards Board Passes New Indoor Heat Standard; Cal/OSHA Publishes Employer Indoor Heat Resources
On June 20, the Cal/OSHA Standards Board, led by its new chair, Joseph Alioto, approved on a 5-0 vote a long-delayed Indoor Heat Illness Prevention (HIP) Standard. Cal/OSHA representatives indicated they intend to request expedited review of the regulation by the Office of Administrative Law, aiming for an Aug. 1 effective date. Failing this, the […]
Cal/OSHA Publishes New Resource Page on Avian Flu
Cal/OSHA has published a new webpage on avian influenza (H5N1), which is endemic in migratory bird populations and has infected some poultry flocks and dairy herds in the U.S. Four cases of transmission from infected dairy cows to human dairy employees are known to have occurred. Most cases have been confined to symptoms of conjunctivitis, […]
Safety Sheet: Respirator Safety – Dust Mask Voluntary Usage (PDF)
ALRB Orders Wonderful Nurseries to Mediation with UFW
The Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB) issued on July 10 an order compelling Wonderful Nurseries, LLC, to engage with United Farm Workers (UFW) in mandatory mediation and conciliation (MMC). The MMC process will likely result in the imposition by the mediator of a collective bargaining agreement. In ordering MMC, the ALRB denied Wonderful’s motion to […]
