On September 28, 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Freelance Worker Protection Act (FWPA) into law, effective January 1, 2025. This law enhances protections for freelance independent contractors, requiring businesses to obtain written contracts for specified professional services, and requiring that such freelance workers are timely paid. Here are some key elements of the…
A new California law which became effective in March 2024 has made California employers scramble to implement effective privacy protection policies for their employees. The new law, the California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”), imposes the requirements of existing privacy rights law to personal data that employers obtain from their employees, leaving many of them asking…
Employers Must Have a Written Plan for the Prevention of Workplace Violence by July 1, 2024 On March 11, 2024, RPNA circulated an E-Blast on Senate Bill 553, setting a groundbreaking precedent that requires nearly every California business to craft a meticulous plan against workplace violence. The Plan must be in place on or before…
We have important news to share regarding a significant development that offers much-needed relief to employers struggling with PAGA (Private Attorneys General Act) claims. Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders have announced a groundbreaking agreement to reform PAGA, which will keep the contentious measure off the November ballot. Reform Agreement Reached: • Governor’s Announcement: On…
Breaking News: Federal Court Upholds California Law Defining Employees vs. Independent Contractors The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has recently upheld California’s AB5, the landmark legislation which redefined how courts determine whether workers are independent contractors or employees. This decision has significant implications for employers across the state. Overview of AB5: AB5, enacted in 2020,…
The California Court of Appeal has indicated that provisions of the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) may preempt California’s stricter requirements under Code of Civil Procedure section 1281.97. This section imposes severe penalties for the untimely payment of arbitration fees in employment and consumer arbitrations. Key Points of Section 1281.97: • Strict Penalties for Late Payment:…
We want to bring to your attention to a significant legal trend that could impact your compliance strategies. Recent class action lawsuits filed against Starbucks in California, and against McDonalds and Amazon in other states, underscore the crucial importance of adhering to state laws regarding lactation accommodations for breastfeeding/nursing employees who need to pump at…