Sarah Downey News
California agency issues additional guidance on worker vaccine policies
With more vaccines now available, the state Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) this month released additional guidance on workplace vaccination procedures and other matters related to COVID-19.
Court decision in COVID-19 liability case raises questions about extending safe harbor protections to California businesses
A federal court’s dismissal of a lawsuit alleging a wife’s COVID-19 was due to her husband’s workplace could become precedent for similar claims, reinforcing the new litigation landscape arising from the pandemic.
New Ninth Circuit ruling includes limitations on PAGA penalties
A federal appeals court ruling will substantially cut the amount awarded in PAGA (Private Attorneys General Act) lawsuits, as the court found that only the first violation qualifies unless the employer has been duly notified of the alleged violations.
Business coalition calls on California lawmakers to rethink new leave legislation
Industry leaders have asked state policymakers to consider funding a new proposed leave program with the state’s $20 billion budget surplus, instead of the small businesses still struggling to make it through the COVID-19 economic crisis.
California Supreme Court unanimously rules against ‘rounding up’ in meal period litigation
A recent California Supreme Court ruling could be costly for employers who err on meal calculation times, though employers may rebut the presumption of a violation by providing evidence that proves they complied with the law.
California’s new compliance portal aims to help businesses adhere to pandemic safety measures; checking for updates essential
The state has launched a portal for businesses to see what measures must be followed to open and operate amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but checking regularly is essential to ensure full compliance.
Taxpayers’ association still wants Padilla to answer for $35 million contract to political firm
A lawsuit is still pending over the $35 million state contract awarded to a political consulting firm that campaigned on behalf of candidates ahead of the November elections.
New legislation aims to ensure California does not tax pandemic relief funds
With thousands of California businesses using relief funding to make it through the COVID-19 economic downturn, new state legislation, SB 265, is under consideration to ensure they are not taxed on it.
Study finds gig economy grows amid COVID pandemic; ‘Benefits people as consumers of goods and services and the income-earning opportunities created’
As gig economy restrictions have been reintroduced at the federal level, a new analysis has found such platforms crucial to helping businesses and workers recover from the COVID-19 economic downturn.
Senate Republicans call for EDD reform mandates in state budget
The Senate is calling for Employment Development Department (EDD) reform to be incorporated in the budget, as a means to expedite the state auditor mandates issued last month.
Judge declines to stop new Cal/OSHA enforcement measures
Against the range of new workplace rules enacted amid the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses failed to get a reprieve from a San Francisco Superior Court judge in a closely watched lawsuit challenging the Cal/OSHA emergency temporary standards (ETS).
Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act reintroduced in Congress, potentially transforming U.S. Labor law with union agenda
Expansive federal legislation that would rewrite labor law, and codify the “ABC” test for worker classification – already in California’s controversial AB 5 – is under consideration on Capitol Hill.
Business groups issue unified call for school reopening; ‘We have to think of the larger good’
Amid growing evidence about the negative impacts of remote learning on children and the science showing that it is safe to reopen schools, the California business community has put forth a unified call for the state to reopen schools.
U.S. Appeals Court finds for plaintiff in case involving Covid-related expense reimbursement
With more people working from home amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a recent Ninth Circuit ruling involving a health care staffing company emphasizes the need to properly reimburse for expenses to avoid wage law violations.
Major bipartisan legislation seeks state investment in California small business recovery
A new bipartisan bill, the Keep California Working Act, would allocate 10 percent of the state’s $26 million budget surplus toward helping small businesses reopen and stay open.
New study examines high cost of California fees and where funding goes
A new analysis, "Nickel and Dimed: Cell Phone Fees to Mattress Fees – How Californians’ Money is Really Being Spent," examines the high costs residents pay for government services, offers solutions for reform, and suggests eliminating such fees could help with economic recovery.
Ninth Circuit ruling due soon on multi-million dollar PAGA claim case
As the Ninth Circuit prepares to rule on an appeal of $102 million in damages for alleged California Labor Code violations, including Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) penalties, new legislation is under consideration to reform the controversial PAGA law.
California EDD fraud hits unsuspecting taxpayers; Senate Republicans ask Newsom to ensure auditor’s recommendations are adopted
As officials work to address the escalation of fraudulent claims at the Employment Development Department (EDD), the Republican Senate Caucus has called for the governor to ensure there’s a system in place to handle tax payment forms erroneously sent to victims of identity theft.
Business owners look to lawmakers for help on boosting industry recovery
Even as new polling shows a modest uptick in confidence among small businesses, there are questions about what new legislative proposals will be put forth to help build on it.
No agreement yet reached for oversight hearings on COVID-19 data; ‘The public has a right to know’
After months of asking to see the data driving the state’s COVID-19 restrictions, lawmakers have continued to seek details following the governor’s newly introduced ICU projection plan – a sudden departure from the lower threshold system that began in November.