On October 7, Governor Newsom signed S.B. 331, the Silenced No More Act (“Act”), into law. The Act will take effect January 1, 2022. Existing California law limits the use of non-disclosure agreements (“NDAs”) to settle already-filed claims alleging assault, discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of sex. The Act expands the law to include any legally protected basis. The Act also clarifies that NDAs cannot be used in certain employment agreements (including bonus or separation agreements) to prevent or restrict the disclosure of factual information related to unlawful acts in the workplace.(more…)
2021 employment law
FDA Approves First COVID-19 Vaccine-What This Means For Employers
The Federal Drug Administration’s (“FDA”) approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine clears the way for employers hesitant to mandate vaccines authorized under the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization (“EUA”) to now require employees receive an FDA approved vaccine.(more…)
California Supreme Court Confirms Non-Discretionary Compensation Must be Included in the Calculation of the Regular Rate of Compensation for Premium Wages Paid for Missed Meal and Rest Breaks
The Ferra Decision
On July 15, 2021, the California Supreme Court unanimously held in Ferra v. Loews Hollywood Hotel, LLC that meal and rest break premiums must be paid at the “regular rate of pay,” which includes all non-discretionary payments. The decision has significant ramifications for California businesses, and highlights the urgent need for employers to review their meal and rest period practices to ensure compliance.(more…)
Employment Law Update – 2021
Several important new California employment laws have been passed in 2020. With exceptions as noted, the laws described below take effect on January 1, 2021.
COVID-19-Related Legislation
AB 1867—Supplemental Paid Sick Leave, Handwashing, & Small Employer Family Leave Mediation