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EMPLOYERS CATCH BREAK ON BREAKS California Court Approves Prospective Written Meal Break Waivers

In a rare victory for California employers, inBradsbery v. Vicar Operating, Inc., a California appeals court ruled that employers and employees may enter into written break waivers for unspecified future meal periods underLabor Code 512andIndustrial Wage Commission Orders4and5.

VERIFICATION MODIFICATION Minor Changes to Form I-9 Language

All employers must verify identity and work authorization for employees hired within the U.S., including citizens and non-citizens, using "Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification" (the I-9 Form).

OLD SCHOOL IS PUNCHING OUT Deter Class Action Challenges by Digital Timekeeping

As too many businesses are being shoved to the brink by mass litigation seeking millions over "minor" Labor Code violations, we continue to preach prevention.Sweat The Details - Friendly Workplace Practices Audits Before PAGA Comes Calling(January 24, 2025).

EQUAL PAY REPORTING Substantial Penalties for Ignoring the May 14, 2025 Deadline

With its recently publishedEqual Pay Act statisticsfor 2023, showing enduring gaps between genders and races, California'sCivil Rights Department(CRD) continues its campaign for wage parity. See,Old Trends Die Hard: 2023 Equal Pay Results: Disparities Not Disappearing(April 11, 2025). Employers of 100 or more must report their 2024 numbers by May 14, 2025.

ALL ABOARD Wage Obligations to New Hires

New hires usually spend their first day reviewing policies, signing essential personnel and payroll paperwork, and undergoing initial training.

OLD TRENDS DIE HARD 2023 Equal Pay Results: Disparities Not Disappearing

California'sCivil Rights Departmentrecently releasedEqual Pay Act statisticsfor 2023,mandatory reportingdata from employers of 100 or more covering 7.9 million workers.

TIME TO EAT Meal Break Scheduling Requirements

California employers must generally provide a timely 30-minute unpaid meal period for a shift exceeding five hours. A meal period is considered timely if it starts on or before the end of the employee's fifth hour of work.DLSE Meal Periods FAQs.

ICE CAPADES Immigration Enforcement in the California Workplace

"Since taking office, President Donald Trump has introduced sweeping changes to immigration enforcement through a series of executive orders aimed at expanding both the legal authorities used to enforce immigration laws and the infrastructure needed to accomplish deportations ... [The president's] Border Czar, Tom Homan, has advocated for workplace enforcement that targets unauthorized workers and the businesses that hire them. Employers should be prepared for increased I-9 audits and ICE enforce

CAUTIONARY TALE EPISODE 96 SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA Home Care Outfit to Pay $2.3M for Misclassifying Caregivers as Independent Contractors

Under newly enactedLabor Code section 181, the California Labor Commissioner (LC) hascitedAmity In-Home Care (Amity) $2.3 million for misclassifying caregivers as independent contractors.