By January 1, 2027, certain businesses that use automated decision-making technology to make employment decisions must comply with new California Privacy Protection Agency regulations. The regulations generally apply to large employers — those with annual revenue in excess of $25 million dollars. Any such large employer that uses automated decision-making technology for significant employment decisions […]
Now that 2026 is well under way, employers may want to assess their compliance with one of this year’s more nuanced new laws – AB 692 – governing employee debts. AB 692 was enacted to prohibit employers from forcing employees who resign to pay for work-related benefits such as trainings, or school tuition. The law […]
Pay equity and pay transparency continue to be legislative priorities in California. Over the past several years, the Legislature has repeatedly expanded California’s Equal Pay Act (Lab. Code §§ 1197.5, 432.3) and imposed increasingly detailed pay data reporting requirements on employers. The latest legislation continues this trend and further increases compliance obligations and potential litigation […]
The California Supreme Court recently held in Iloff v. LaPaille (2025) Cal.5th 551 that employers who claim good faith ignorance of minimum wage laws are still subject to liquidated damages. Employers now bear the burden to establish they made reasonable efforts to understand minimum wage laws when defending against minimum wage claims. Further, employees may […]
Labor Code Section 1198.5 provides that current and former employees (or a representative) have the right to inspect and receive a copy of their personnel file and records that relate to the employee’s performance or to any grievance concerning the employee. Requests for personnel records often come in the form of a letter from a […]
Private California employers that have 100 or more employees must submit an annual pay data report to the Civil Rights Department (CRD). This year’s reporting deadline is May 14, 2025. Employer Pay Data Requirements The Legislature enacted Government Code Sec. 12999 to encourage employers to self-assess pay disparities along gendered, racial, and ethnic lines in […]
New workplace laws in California typically trigger additional notice and posting requirements. This year is no exception. California employers now have two additional obligations. As a reminder, as of 2025, California employers must do the following: Post a Notice Advising Employees About Whistleblower Rights Under Labor Code Section 1102.5, employers cannot retaliate against an employee […]
Employers across California are on high alert in response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (“ICE”) recent increase in enforcement activity. Whether auditing I-9 compliance or preparing for ICE’s potential arrival at their place of business, employers must have a plan for addressing enforcement actions to remain in compliance and reduce disruption to their business. What […]
A recent California Court of Appeal decision serves as a critical reminder for employers about the importance of clear policies and fair treatment in the workplace. Wawrzenski v. United Airlines, Inc. deals with allegations of gender discrimination, harassment and retaliation under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Alexa Wawrzenski, a flight attendant, claimed she […]
The end of the year poses unique challenges for employers seeking to reward employees and at the same time stay compliant with hyper-technical legal mandates. No aspect of employment relationships is simple or intuitive in California and that is especially true for gift giving in 2024. Most risky practices can be avoided. With that in […]