The U.S. Department of Labor announced on July 26, 2016 that changes to two of the federal employment law posters have been made – which changes are effective August 1, 2016 so employers must act quickly to remain in compliance. These required updates affect the...

The Federal Department of Labor has recently released a new Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) poster for use by employers covered by the FMLA (those with 50 or more employees). The new poster, dated April 2016, is reformatted and contains additional information on...

With the presidential campaigns underway, it is likely that some employees may engage in political discussions at work. These discussions can create controversy, animosity and other concerns for employers. Employees have certain protections regarding their right to...

As is well known, employers are required to provide rest breaks to all non-exempt employees whose total daily work time is at least 3.5 hours. These rest breaks must be at the rate of 10 “net” minutes for every four hours worked or “major fraction thereof.” In a...

Employers who are served with wage garnishments on behalf of their employees must adjust the amounts withheld. Beginning July 1, 2016, a withholding order cannot exceed the lesser of: 25 percent of an individual’s weekly disposable earnings; or 50 percent of the...

In 1995 California’s ban on smoking in the workplace was implemented prohibiting employers from knowingly or intentionally permitting the smoking of tobacco products at work, including lobbies, lounges, waiting areas, stairwells, elevators and restrooms, or in an...

On May 18, 2016, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced the long awaited changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regulations that significantly affect who may continue to be classified as exempt under the executive, administrative and professional exemptions...

On April 4, 2016, Governor Brown signed Senate Bill 3 into law which addresses several issues including an increase of the state’s minimum wage. The minimum wage shall increase as of January 1, 2017 with additional increases through January 1, 2022 when it reaches...

As was discussed in our last Special Bulletin, the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) has issued amended regulations relating to an employer’s obligation to prevent and remedy workplace harassment. Additional amendments will also become effective April...

The USCIS published a notice on March 28, 2016 informing the public of proposed changes to Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, as the current form is set to expire 3/31/16. The public comment period runs until April 27, 2016. A summary of the proposed...