Last year, California revised Labor Code section 2751 such that any employment agreement involving “commission” payments would have to be put into writing with a signed copy of the agreement be given to the employee. Those revisions go into effect on January 1, 2013.
Definition of “Public Works” Broadened to Include the Assembly and Disassembly of Freestanding and Affixed Modular Office Systems
Governor Brown signed AB 1598 on September 30, 2012, amending Labor Code section 1720 relating to public contracts. The existing law defines the term “public works” for purposes of imposing certain requirements in the payment of prevailing wages. Existing law generally defines “public works” to include construction, alteration, demolition, installation, or repair work done under contract and paid for in whole or in part out of public funds. This bill modifies existing law merely to include in the definition of “installation,” the assembly and disassembly of freestanding and affixed modular office systems.
Farm Labor Contractors Encouraged to Become Licensed by the Labor Commissioner, or Face Increasing Monetary Penalties
AB 1675 was signed by Governor Brown to increase the penalties farm labor contractors face where failing to become properly licensed by the Labor Commissioner. Previous law required farm labor contractors to be licensed by the Labor Commissioner. Under that law, violators were guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by specified fines, or imprisonment in the county jail for not more than 6 months, or both. AB 1675 increased the penalties associated with failing to become licensed as a farm labor contractor, allowing the Labor Commissioner to not only issue citations to violators of the law, but assess civil penalties that increase with the number of citations issued. Any civil penalties collected will be deposited into the Farmworker Remedial account be available, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for purposes of regulating farm labor contractors. (AB 1675; amended Labor Code § 1683.)
Don’t Let Political Debates Disrupt Workplace Goals
Now that the first presidential debate has taken place, and as the country heads into the last month of campaigning in this election year, employers should make certain that their personnel policies properly address political activities in the workplace. Such policies should require managers, supervisors, and employees to show respect across political-party lines to avoid internal conflicts. Having and enforcing such policies also may help to diminish the risk of alienating customers who otherwise might find themselves confronted with competing political philosophies when visiting an employer’s establishment.
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Background Checks Required For Some Working With Minors In Entertainment Industry
By: James Kachmar
Governor Jerry Brown recently signed AB1660 into law. Introduced by Assembly Member Nora Campos, AB1660 amends the Labor Code to require certain people working with minors in the entertainment industry to apply for a Child Performer Services permit and submit to a criminal background check. The bill also prohibits registered sex offenders from working with minors in the entertainment industry and imposes criminal sanctions for violation of its provisions.
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