Current and former employees have the right to inspect their personnel files upon request within a timeframe set by statute. When an employment-related claim arises, these individuals typically request a copy of their personnel file. However, if the employer has not properly maintained these files, it is impossible to recreate them retroactively. Here’s an overview ..read more

On February 11, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order to support childcare providers impacted by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. This order ensures that those affected are aware of their eligibility for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) and receive the necessary support to apply. In addition to supporting individual workers, the EDD offers several ..read more

As of February 3, 2025, most of Cal/OSHA’s COVID-19 Prevention Non-Emergency Standards have officially come to an end. This marks a significant shift for California employers who have been navigating these regulations and their predecessor emergency temporary standards for the past four years.   Despite the expiration of most obligations under this standard, employers are ..read more

California’s pay data reporting requirements were established under Senate Bill (SB) 973, signed into law in 2020. The law mandates that private employers with 100 or more employees, including those hired through labor contractors, must annually report pay and demographic data to the California Civil Rights Department (CRD). In 2022, Senate Bill (SB) 1162 expanded ..read more

In an era where consumers are increasingly concerned about ethical sourcing and labor practices, the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act (CTSCA) stands as a significant piece of legislation. Enacted in 2010, the CTSCA aims to combat human trafficking and slavery in global supply chains, promoting greater transparency and accountability among businesses operating in California ..read more

The Domestic Worker Bill of Rights (California Assembly Bill 241 and Senate Bill 1015), enacted in 2013, is a California law that grants overtime pay rights to personal attendants who were not previously entitled to overtime pay under California law. Personal attendants covered by this law are entitled to overtime pay at 1.5 times their ..read more

In light of the ongoing and devastating fires in Los Angeles County, Cal/OSHA released new guidance to ensure the safety and health of workers involved in fire damage cleanup. Of note, Cal/OSHA’s standards may apply to some household domestic service workers. Historically, domestic service workers have not been subject to Cal/OSHA’s standards while cooking, cleaning ..read more

In light of recent wildfires across Southern California, employers should make sure they are familiar with California’s wildfire smoke standard.  Sadly, harmful air quality from wildfire smoke can occur anywhere in the state on short notice, so it is vital that employers prepare early. With some exceptions, the wildfire smoke standard applies to workplaces where the ..read more

On January 1, 2025, Senate (SB) Bill 399, officially went into effect in California. California joined other states, including Illinois, Connecticut, Hawaii, New York, and Oregon, in enacting statutes that prohibit “captive audience” meetings, similarly limiting employers’ ability to conduct mandatory meetings on religious or political matters, including a labor organization. Several business groups have ..read more

The California Supreme Court issued several important decisions in 2024 about issues such as the application of PAGA to public employees and the definition of “hours worked.” Several cases are pending before the state’s high court. Here are the highlights and what the cases could mean for employers in the Golden State. Brown v. City ..read more