Stay Ahead of the Curve

On June 29, 2022, the Los Angeles City Council approved a minimum wage increase for workers at covered healthcare facilities to $25.00/hour. Mayor Eric Garcetti signed this into law on July 8, 2022.

Local Minimum Wages Employers checking to make sure they pay minimum wage can’t just rely on complying with California minimum wage standards. As we reminded you on December 8, 2021, many local jurisdictions have enacted their own minimum wage rules.

CalSavers Deadline: The June 30, 2022, deadline for small employers to register with CalSavers is only five weeks away. What is CalSavers?

At present, state minimum wage in California is $15 per hour for companies with 26 or more employees and $14 per hour for companies with 25 or fewer employees.On May 12, 2022, Governor Newsom announced that because inflation is projected to increase by 7.6% for the 2022 fiscal year, California’s minimum wage will increase to $15.50 per hour for all employees, regardless of employer size effective January 1, 2023.With the minimum wage increasing to $15.50 in 2023, employers should be aware that it will affect the following employees:‍

A few months ago (10/13/21 Post), we discussed the status of arbitration agreements in California. We explained how, under California’s AB 51, employers are prohibited from requiring employees to sign, as a condition of employment, agreements requiring arbitration of claims under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (such as sexual harassment) or the California Labor Code (such as claims for wages). We explained that this legislation had been challenged as potentially preempted by the Federal Arbitration Act (“FAA”).

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) recently approved the third readoption of the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards (the “new ETS”). The new ETS took effect on May 7, 2022, and will remain in effect until December 31, 2022, when Cal/OSHA is expected to replace it with a permanent standard. The majority of the new ETS has not changed. However, the new ETS includes changes in line with the state’s recent direction of relaxing restrictions, and is more aligned with California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidance.

The CDPH and Los Angeles County have updated their rules to allow fully vaccinated persons to enter indoor businesses without wearing masks under certain circumstances.

It’s been a busy week at the Governor’s office … 1. The return of statewide COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave On February 9, 2022, Governor Newsom signed SB-114, which brings back COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave (“SPSL”) through September 30, 2022. When will the bill take effect?