In the wake of weakened federal protections, California has stepped up to increase awareness of the rights which transgender workers already possess under state anti-discrimination laws and address employment barriers. On October 13, Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 396, the Transgender Work Opportunity Act, into law. The Act, which goes into effect on January 1, Read more
Benefits of Providing Lactation Accommodation in the Workplace It is well-established that breastfeeding promotes the health and well-being of working mothers and their babies. Breastfed babies and their mothers have reduced risks for many illnesses and diseases. Healthier babies and moms mean a lower health care burden on the national economy. In fact, one study Read more
Beginning next year, California is taking steps to remove barriers in the workplace on based on gender and other characteristics historically associated with inequalities in wages and other working conditions. The laws will protect more employees, and provide them with more information about their rights, and ensure equality in access to restroom facilities. Below is Read more
On Tuesday, California Bay Area voters approved minimum wage hikes for the cities of San Francisco and Oakland. For workers in San Francisco, passage of the ballot measure will mean two raises in 2015. San Francisco Minimum Wage The City of San Francisco Minimum Wage Measure J was approved by 77% of voters. The measure Read more
Paid sick leave is a hot topic on both the state and city level. Currently a bill regarding paid sick leave, titled The Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014, sits on California’s Governor Brown’s desk for signing. Should he sign the bill before the legislative session ends it will be effective July 1, 2015. Read more
Effective September 30, 2014 employers with 50 or more employees in the San Francisco Bay Area counties must comply with the Bay Area Commuter Benefits Program (CBP). Under the CBP, covered employers must select at least one of four commuter benefit options and make them available to employees. There are also employer registration and reporting Read more
San Diego’s City Council has successfully overridden the mayor’s veto of a Earned Sick Leave & Minimum Wage Ordinance (#20390). It is scheduled to take effect January 1, 2015. The Ordinance imposes several requirements for employers: paying a minimum wage higher than the California State minimum wage of $9.00 per hour, mandatory employee earned sick Read more
On Monday August 18th the San Diego City Council will meet to discuss overriding Mayor Kevin Faulconer’s veto of the city ordinance to increase the minimum wage. A special meeting has been called because overrides must be considered within 30 days of a mayoral veto. In order to override the veto the City Council will Read more
The City Council of Berkeley California recently adopted a City Minimum Wage Ordinance, 7-352-N.S., BMC Chapter 13.99. Under the ordinance, employers must pay employees no less than the minimum wage set forth for each hour worked in the geographic boundaries of the City. The minimum wage rate of $10.00 is effective October 1, 2014, with Read more
August 13, 2014 the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (FCO) becomes effective. Under the ordinance, covered employers must follow strict rules regarding applicants’ and employees’ arrest and conviction record(s) and information related to such records, as well as, post notice in the workplace for employees and applicants to view. This new ordinance applies to employers Read more
