The use of medical marijuana in the California workplace has been a popular, if not confusing, topic as of late. With conflicting views on medical marijuana usage at the federal and state levels, many employers are understandably perplexed, if not a little nervous, while attempting to walk the fine line between federal law (which continues…
Many California employers are aware that there are limits on the types of questions you can ask job applicants and/or current employees who are interviewing for a new position. For example, it is unlawful to ask a question that could reflect bias based on race, color, age, gender, religion, gender affiliation, or any other protected…
On Saturday, November 12, 2016, attorney Drew E. Pomerance will be speaking at the prestigious California Attorneys Association of California’s annual conference. Mr. Pomerance is the managing partner of the well-respected Los Angeles law firm Roxborogh Pomerance Nye & Adreani. He recently argued one of the firm’s seminal cases before the California Supreme Court. Mr.…
As many California employers know all too well, wage and hour class actions are on the rise. A quick Google search of any combination of the words “California”, “wage and hour” and “class actions” results in thousands of results, a number of them actual cases involving disgruntled employees seeking millions of dollars from their employers.…
The Ninth Circuit recently found unenforceable a class (or “collective”) action waiver requiring employees to arbitrate their claims individually. In other words, requiring class action waivers as a condition of hire or continued employment violates the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). The NLRA applies to both unionized and many private, non-unionized workforces and protects covered…
California has been home to many a class action lawsuit surrounding meal and rest breaks, both before and after the state Supreme Court’s crucial 2012 decision in Brinker Restaurant Corp. v. Superior Court. Consequently, California employers have a sharp interest in making their break policies and practices as compliant as possible. The Basic Rest Break…
In a win for employers throughout California and across the country, a recent court decision shows that an “honest belief” continues to be an effective defense for employers responding to employment discrimination claims. In an employment law context, the “honest belief” rule focuses on what a decision-maker honestly believed the facts to be and whether…
On October 14, 2016, seasoned business litigator Drew E. Pomerance will be speaking at the Valley Industrial and Commerce Association (VICA) Business Forecast Conference at the Hilton Hotel, Universal City, California. Mr. Pomerance will join a small panel of experts to discuss how businesses can deal with and protect themselves from wage and hour and…
When it comes to cases against Applied Underwriters, RPNA’s Nick Roxborough is the go-to expert for commentary. Workers’ Comp Executive reached out to Nick regarding the most recent lawsuit against Berkshire Hathaway’s subsidiary filed in New York. The plaintiff is seeking a $6 million bond and at least $18 million in trebled damages. According to…