On July 1, 2024 Governor Newsom signed SB-92 and AB-2288 into law, which instituted sweeping reforms to California’s Private Attorneys General Act (“PAGA”). PAGA was passed 20 years ago to provide a private mechanism for employees to pursue claims on behalf of the Labor and Workforce Development Agency (“LWDA”) against employers for alleged Labor Code violations. PAGA was meant to improve compensation for and benefit workers in California, but in practice has largely benefitted plaintiffs’ attorneys, which was why reforms were necessary.

Continue Reading PAGA Reform: Key Takeaways for California Employers

At the request of the 9th Circuit, the California Supreme Court recently clarified the definition of “hours worked” under the Labor Code. In Huerta v. CSI Electrical Contractors, the employees worked at a solar power facility, which was located on privately-owned land. To reach the actual worksite, employees had to enter onto private land, present a badge at a security gate (at which point a security guard might “peer” into their car or truck), and then drive an additional 10–15 minutes to access the employee parking lot. It was estimated that the security check could take between 5-30 minutes. This would happen again at the end of the day. Also, because there were endangered species present on the privately-owned land, there were restrictions employees were expected to follow while driving on the road, including not exceeding a certain speed limit, and refraining from honking horns or playing loud music. The Court was asked to answer two questions with respect to the definition of “hours worked” as discussed below.

Continue Reading The California Supreme Court Further Clarifies the Definition of “Hours Worked”

Weintraub Tobin’s 2024 Labor and Employment Seminar and Training schedule is now available.

Specifics and invitations for each seminar/training will be posted on our website approximately one month before the event. Click here to receive email alerts and registration information ahead of each seminar.

Continue Reading Now Available! Weintraub Tobin’s 2024 Labor and Employment Seminar and Training Schedule

With the holiday season upon us, there are some important tips for employers to keep in mind for holiday gatherings and celebrations. Meagan Bainbridge and Nikki Mahmoudi discuss these best practices in this special edition of California Employment News.
Continue Reading California Employment News: Best Practices for Office Holiday Celebrations