Recent Blog Posts
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act: A New Era of Protections for Pregnant Employees
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) marks a significant step forward in workplace protections for pregnant employees in the United States. Although several existing federal and state laws already prohibit discrimination based on pregnancy, the PWFA fills critical gaps by affirmatively requiring reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers. The law took effect on June 27,… Read More »
Supreme Court Unanimously Rules in Favor of Plaintiff in Landmark “Reverse Discrimination” Case
The United States Supreme Court issued a major ruling last month that has the potential to increase employment discrimination claims and litigation in workplaces across the country. While this watershed ruling in one sense ensures a level playing field for all plaintiffs in discrimination claims, it upends long-standing precedent in federal courts when evaluating… Read More »
Baby Bonding: How California and Federal Laws Give You Critical Time to Spend With Your Child After Birth or Adoption
Welcoming a new child into the family is one of life’s most transformative moments. Whether through birth, adoption, or foster care placement, this early period of connection is crucial for both the child and the parents. Medical experts widely agree that bonding time helps newborns develop secure attachments, promotes emotional well-being, and allows parents… Read More »
California’s 2024 PAGA Reforms: Key Changes Wrought in AB 2288, SB 92, and AB 1034
In late June 2024, California’s legislature approved landmark reforms to the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) that both strengthen worker protections and curb overly broad lawsuits. PAGA is a state law that allows employees to sue employers on behalf of the state in sort of a “mini-class action” for wage and hour labor law… Read More »
California’s Small Employer Family Leave Mediation Program: Is It Good for Employers and Employees?
California’s employment laws are known for being robust and employee-friendly, but they also place significant responsibilities on employers—especially small businesses. To help balance these obligations with the needs of both employers and employees, the state established the Small Employer Family Leave Mediation Program. This program offers a structured, lower-cost alternative to litigation for disputes… Read More »
Federal Appeals Court Upholds Caste as a Protected Class in Cal State’s Discrimination Policy
In 2022, California State University amended its anti-discrimination and harassment policy to expressly clarify that discrimination based on a person’s caste was prohibited. This change led to a legal challenge by two Hindu professors who argued the new language was unconstitutional. The court, however, decided the professors lacked standing to bring the case and… Read More »
Freelance Worker Protection Act Creates New Rights for Workers, New Responsibilities for Employers
California has long been a trailblazer in labor rights, and its laws continue to evolve to better support workers. One of the more recent developments is the Freelance Worker Protection Act, which aims to create a more equitable environment for freelancers working in California. The new law was introduced by State Senator Scott Weiner… Read More »
New California Labor Law Addresses Leave When Employees or Their Family Members Are Victims of Crime
Last month we looked at some of the many new employment laws going into effect for 2025 (see New Year, New Labor and Employment Laws, posted January 12, 2025). One of the laws we talked about deserves a closer look. Read on as we take a deeper dive into AB 2499, which makes it… Read More »
New Year, New Labor and Employment Laws
While the California legislature wrapped up its work a couple of months ago, many of the laws passed in the recent 2023-2024 legislative session didn’t kick in until January 1, 2025. The Assembly passed many such laws related to the workplace, including a host of wage and hour laws addressing various types of leave… Read More »
PAGA Repeal Bill Withdrawn From November Ballot: What It Means for California Employees and Employers
California employment law took a rollercoaster ride in the recent election cycle when the California Employee Civil Action Law Initiative (#21-0027), a measure aimed at repealing the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), was introduced and then withdrawn from the November ballot. The initiative sought to fundamentally alter how labor law violations are addressed in… Read More »
