Happy New Year! As 2022 is almost over, for our last post of the year, we have compiled the most popular articles, podcasts, and videos we shared with you in 2022. Here is our most popular content from 2022:

1. Most Popular LinkedIn Post: The Fast Recovery Act

The Fast Food Accountability and Standards Recovery Act or FAST Recovery Act was signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom in September, proposes to establish a Fast Food Sector Council to regulate California’s fast food restaurants. However, the law has been challenged and the Save Local Restaurants Coalition, submitted over one million signatures on December 5, 2022, in opposition to the FAST Act to potentially block the new law.

However, on December 27, 2022, the Department of Industrial Relations stated that it would enforce the law until the Secretary of State verifies the signatures, which would likely not occur until the second half of January 2023.  The Save Local Restaurants Coalition filed a lawsuit to stop the DIR from enforcing the law on January 1.  Employers will need to closely watch developments on the DIR’s enforcement position on the law, and the lawsuit attempting to stop enforcement of the law given the signatures gathered as part of the referendum.  Our article provides additional information on the FAST Act here:  http://ow.ly/90fR50M1klr

2. Most Listened to Podcast Episode: Impact of the Viking River Cruises Ruling on PAGA

In this episode, we discussed the U.S. Supreme Court’s June decision in Viking River Cruises, Inc. v. Moriana, holding that the FAA preempts California’s prohibition on the employer’s ability to contract with employees to bring only their individual claims in arbitration and not a representative Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) claim.  This is undeniably a victory for California’s employers implementing arbitration agreements and their ability to limit their exposure to PAGA representative claims through use of arbitration agreements.

3. Top Viewed Video: New Hire Considerations

The hiring process and required notices to employees is quite complex in California.  It is no surprise that many employers were interested in this video as we have outlined a list of recommended documents for new hire employees. Additionally, access Zaller Law Group’s resource by using the QR code provided in this video and download new hire forms and other resources.

4. Most Read Article: Five Reminders About Meal and Rest Breaks for California Employers

Still on top of every California employer’s mind is meal and rest break potential liability.  As we frequently remind readers, it is imperative for employers to regularly audit meal and rest break policies as this issue continues to be a source of a great deal of litigation. In this article we provide five reminders about meal and rest breaks in California. In addition to this article, you can also watch a video where our senior counsel discusses the basics about the meal and rest break requirements that California employers must meet.

5. Top Viewed Video: Employee’s Usage of Cellphone

It has become a fairly common practice in recent years that managers and employers have used their personal cell phones for work-related tasks. California Labor Code Section 2802, requires employers to reimburse all work-related expenses incurred by their employees. As such, employers should be aware of their obligations for reimbursement in certain cases involving employee’s usage of cellphone.

Wishing everyone a happy New Year and the best in 2023!