I received a few questions this week that I have not heard asked in a while: In what manner do employers need to keep time records? Can they be kept electronically, or do they have to be written? A follow-on question was: Do employers need to have a computerized timekeeping system to comply with their
When hiring an employee, employers need to be mindful that any tests of the employee’s skills during the hiring process does not cross the line to become actual work that the applicant must be paid for. Employers sometimes will ask applicants to demonstrate their food preparation skills in a restaurant setting, handling tools in a
I just posted a new video on my YouTube channel about the issues facing employers with the state and local minimum wage increases in 2018 (embedded below). At the end of the first quarter in 2018, it is a good time to review compliance with the state and local minimum wage laws, and to start
Mid-way through 2017 and the California legislature is busy and, as expected, there are a number of employment law bills making their way through the legislature. This Friday’s Five reviews five bills that could have a major impact upon California employers if passed:
1. AB 168 – Prohibition of asking salary history when hiring employees.
Assemblymember David Chiu (D-San Francisco) introduced a bill – AB 450 – that would put employers between the federal government and the state of California in the immigration debate. Basically, the bill imposes penalties on employers who cooperate or do not notify the state of federal immigration actions taking place at their locations. As set
Plaintiff Victoria Ztwick worked as a correctional office for the County of Yolo. See Zetwick v. County of Yolo. She sued the
County and her supervisor, Sheriff Edward Prieto alleging that the supervisor’s conduct over a 12-year period created a hostile work environment. She alleged the harassment consisted of Prieto hugging her on more
The law has to define certain terms and categories of people in order to make legal concepts predictable so people and 
companies can adjust their actions accordingly. However, after turning 40 years old this month, the definition of “old” hits home with me. According to the law, I’m old. Moving on quickly, this Friday’s Five
Often the threat of the plaintiff’s potential ability to recover attorney’s fees is greater than the actual damages that they can prove. This can be frustrating for employers defending wage and hour claims, in both the individual and class action context. Indeed, an employer must understand the potential damages and exposure of fees they may
With the arrival of 2017, many employers are recognizing the difficulties in navigating the complex set of paid leave laws in Southern California. For regular readers of the blog, this may seem like a repeat, but this post is five items employers need to remember about paid sick leave laws in Southern California.
1. The
I’m starting 2017 off with videos taken from my recent webinar discussing local minimum wage issues, California’s new employment laws, Los Angeles’ ban the box ordinance, the new Form I-9 required in 2017, and potential impacts President-elect Trump may have on employment laws. Happy New Year!
California state and local minimum wage and paid sick