Updates on AB 51 and Its Effect on Arbitration Agreements in Employment Contracts

By Adam Nathaniel Arce Background: AB 51 In 2019, Governor Newsom signed into law California Assembly Bill 51 (“AB 51”). AB 51 has the following effects: Prohibits employers from requiring employees to sign arbitration agreements as a condition of employment, requiring instead that the arbitration agreement be entered into consensually by the parties. Prohibits retaliation or discrimination against an employee

SOME INSIGHT FROM THE CALIFORNIA LABOR COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE: Affirmative Steps Employers Can Take to Encourage Meal Breaks

In a recent victory on behalf of one of our clients, Ferber Law successfully defeated all claims for alleged missed meal breaks.  The opinion of the Labor Commissioner provides insight as to what employers can do to create evidence of providing employees with an opportunity to take a meal break and were not discouraged, impeded or otherwise prevented from taking

Cal/OSHA Emergency Standards: Top Three Things Employers Need to Know

by Alexandra Saddik and Jonathan Babione In November 2020, Cal/OSHA released extensive Emergency Temporary Standards that became effective on November 30, 2020. Cal/OSHA continues updating the guidance on implementing these standards, with the latest update occurring on January 8, 2021. Here are the top three things businesses need to know about the Cal/OSHA standards: 1.  All businesses must implement a

NEW COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS: WHAT BUSINESSES NEED TO KNOW

by Alexandra P. Saddik and Jonathan R. Babione As you likely know, throughout November, California has been experiencing a steady rise of COVID-19 cases that prompted both state and local governments to impose a new round of restrictions on businesses. Below are summaries of the recent updates from the various state and Northern California agencies. CALIFORNIA State-level COVID-19 restrictions have

SB-1383’S IMPACT ON BUSINESSES

by Alexandra P. Saddik and Jonathan R. Babione On September 17, 2020, Governor Newsom signed SB 1383, expanding the California Family Rights Act (“CFRA”). Under the original CFRA, employers with 50 or more employees were required to provide 12 weeks of job-protected leave in any 12-month work period to employees who need time off to care for a family member.

COVID-19 UPDATE

by Alexandra P. Saddik and Jonathan R. Babione As COVID-19 cases increase in California, both state and local governments continue to issue new policy directives that employers must be aware of. Here is a summary of the recent updates. California: The state recently issued a playbook for employers intended to clarify the policy and procedures for a safe reopening. Apart

COVID-19 UPDATES AND GUIDANCE TO MANAGING COVID-19 IN THE WORKPLACE

by Alexandra P. Saddik and Jonathan R. Babione On July 13, 2020, the state announced that all counties in California must shut down indoor operation of restaurants, wineries and tasting rooms, movie theaters, family entertainment centers, zoos and museums, and cardrooms. Additionally, counties that have been on the County Monitoring List for three days—a list maintained by the state to