Disability discrimination litigation seems to be on the rise. For this reason, it is critical for employers to understand their obligations and the protections provided to employees and applicants under both state and federal laws. These laws provide that individuals...

As discussed in our Year End Newsletter, one of the laws affecting California employers, effective January 1, 2012, is the requirement to provide a notice to new hires which complies with newly enacted Labor Code §2810.5(a) entitled Wage Theft Protection Act of 2011....

The IRS issued the 2012 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business purposes. Beginning January 1, 2012, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be...

Remember that under the recent revisions to the laws governing Pregnancy Disability Leaves as contained in Gov’t Code §12945, employers are required to maintain health insurance coverage for the duration of the pregnancy disability l eave, not to exceed 4 months (in a...

The California Court of Appeal recently found that employees are not entitled to "reporting-time pay" when they report to work for a scheduled shift (such as for a meeting) and work at least one-half of the scheduled time, even when that time is less than two hours....

Governor Brown was busy signing new legislation this year which impacts California employers. Below is a list of the more significant laws that will impact operations and which require your immediate attention for compliance. Unless specified, all new legislation goes...

Finally, after waiting for three years from the time the case was originally granted review, the California Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Brinker Restaurant Corporation v. Superior Court on November 8, 2011, and (eventually) determine whether an employer's...

In yet another unfavorable decision in yet another wage and hour lawsuit, the Court recently decided that an employer who prevailed in a wage and hour case is not entitled to recover its attorneys' fees under Labor Code Section 218.5, even though Section 218.5...

With March Madness approaching, it is not an uncommon situation for office pools to be organized by co-workers. While this may seem like a fun and harmless workplace activity, promoting teamwork and enhancing morale, such "gambling" actually can place the employees...