As the ongoing jockeying between employers and labor unions unfolds in the aftermath of 2022’s card-check legislation, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sept. 27 signed legislation that could impact California agricultural employers. SB 399 (Wahab, D-Hayward) restricts employers’ ability to communicate with employees about virtually any political issue if the employee and employer are at odds […]
FELS Newsletter: October 2024
AB 2123 Disallows Vacation-Use Requirement for Paid Family Leave (PFL) Use
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sept. 29 signed AB 2123 (Papan, D-San Mateo) to prohibit employers from requiring employees from receiving employee-funded Paid Family Leave to use up two weeks of employer-provided vacation before receiving PFL benefits. Employers sometimes took this step to reduce the total amount of times employees took from work; if the employee […]
Get Ready! Voters Will Consider $18/hour Minimum Wage on Nov. 5
When California voters wend their way through the usually convoluted and complicated election ballot this Nov. 5, whether they fill out their ballot at the kitchen table at home or vote at one of the few remaining polling places, one issue they will face will be whether to approve Proposition 32, which would raise the state […]
Assembly Bill 2499: California Amends Jury, Court, and Victim Time-Off Provisions
On Sept. 29, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 2499 (Schiavo, D-Santa Clarita), expanding the list of crimes for which employees can take time off and allowing employees to take protected time off to assist family members who are victims of specified crimes. The new law also permits the use of state paid sick leave […]
The Injury and Illness Prevention Plan Regulation Crisis, Part 1: Why are Citations Under this Regulation So Common?
As you are likely aware, every employer in the state of California must have an Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (IIPP) (title 8, CCR Section 3203.) The plan must be established, implemented, and maintained. So, having an IIPP alone won’t cut it. It must also be effectively implemented and maintained. Among other requirements, this plan must have procedures for […]
Enforcing Cal/OSHA Regulations via PAGA: A Trap for the Unwary
In recent months, we have provided a few updates on California’s work to reform the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). The effort culminated with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s successful negotiation efforts between business and labor groups to strengthen worker protections, encourage employer compliance, streamline litigation processes, and avert a contentious ballot measure through the passage of […]
FELS Webinar: Protecting Agricultural Workers from H5N1
FELS will present a webinar to educate agricultural employers about Cal/OSHA standards like those regarding Injury and Illness Prevention, Zoonotic Diseases, and Respiratory Protection applicable where employees are exposed to H5N1 Avian Flu. Presenter(s): TBD When? Friday, Nov. 1, 10:30 AM Registration at www.fels.net/webinars
FELS Tailgate Safety Training Sheet: Electrical Safety is No Accident
Electrical Safety is No Accident
