The new regulations that expand existing protections under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) for transgender individuals and others go into effect July 1, 2017. As California employers know, FEHA prohibits harassment and discrimination against individuals on the basis of many protected classes, including gender, gender identity, and gender expression. Below is a brief
Colorado Payroll Information May Become Public Record
On April 13, 2017, Governor John Hickenlooper approved Colorado House Bill 17-1021 (“HB 17-1021”) which amends Section 8-1-115 of the Colorado Revised Statutes. In summary, HB 17-1021 provides that the information an employer provides to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (“CDLE”) in connection with complaints and investigations into violations of the State’s wage
Washington Raises Minimum Wage And Provides Paid Sick Leave
In November 2016, Washington voters approved Initiative Measure No. 1433 (“IM 1433”) which provides for an incremental increase to the state minimum wage as of January 1, 2017 and also provides for paid sick leave benefits beginning January 1, 2018. The stated intent behind IM 1443 is expressed in the initiative as follows:
Arizona’s New Independent Contractor Declaration Law
On August 6, 2016, the Arizona State Legislature enacted the “Declaration of Independent Business Status” law (“DIBS”). The DIBS added Chapter 10 to Title 23 of the Arizona Revised Statutes (Arizona’s “Labor” statute). In short, DIBS allows certain Arizona companies (referred to in the statute as an “employing unit”) to obtain a declaration from those
Top Reasons to Mediate Employment Disputes
As an employment attorney and mediator, I believe mediation is a good alternative to protracted employment litigation. Below are the top reasons why.
1. Mediation is a Voluntary Process.
Unlike litigation in which federal and state laws and court rules mandate the process (and often the outcome), mediation is a voluntary process. Thus, the parties