Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance Applauds Movement on Farm Bill

May 21st, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 21, 2024) – The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) has issued the following statement following the release of the U.S. House farm bill draft:

“The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance appreciates the work of House Agriculture Committee Chairman Thompson and others for moving the farm bill process forward and for recognizing the importance of specialty crops with several key investments, including for research, innovation, crop insurance and trade. Investments like these are vital to maintaining and enhancing the competitiveness of our growers across the U.S. and to support a healthier America. It is critical they appear in the final conference report.”

The SCFBA further stated, “We continue to assess the impact on specialty crops that may result from changes to the Commodity Credit Corporation and the Thrifty Food Program. We know the only path forward for a farm bill this Congress is a bipartisan one and are hopeful that lead negotiators in the House and Senate will come together to resolve any disagreements in time for a five-year farm bill to be signed into law by the President this year.”

The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance is a national coalition of more than 200 organizations representing growers of fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, nursery plants and other products. The Alliance was established to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crop agriculture and improve the health of Americans by broadening the scope of U.S. agricultural public policy. For more information, visit farmbillalliance.com.

 

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Western Growers Board of Directors Advocates for Ag in D.C.

May 21st, 2024

The Western Growers Board of Directors visited Washington D.C. this month to advocate on behalf of the membership on a wide range of issues, including the Farm Bill, plastic packaging, labor, food safety and sustainability.

On the heels of the release of two separate farm bill frameworks by the chairs of the U.S. House and Senate Agriculture Committees, the board met with representatives and staff from both committees – including House Agriculture Chairman GT Thompson. The board reiterated the priorities outlined by the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance and urged the lawmakers to collaborate on a bipartisan bill that can get signed into law this year.

In addition to legislative visits on Capitol Hill, the board also engaged with key agency officials on topics ranging from H-2A rules to FDA reform to biological pesticide registrations, including Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small, acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Jim Jones, and Senior Advisor for Agriculture to the EPA Administrator Rod Snyder.

Finally, one interesting side trip included a working lunch with officials at the Canadian Embassy to discuss plastic packaging and other trade related issues. Economic Minister John Layton delivered opening remarks on the Embassy’s trade, economic and business development programs in the U.S.

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Documentary “The Green Desert” Hosts Virtual Screening Event in June

May 20th, 2024

“The Green Desert,” a documentary that gives viewers a closer look into farming practices in the arid Southwest, including the challenges of water shortages and the effects of climate change, will host a virtual screening event from June 9-16, 2024.

The documentary, presented by Mirage Films, has an 83-minute run time. There will be a live Q&A session with Director Leo Zahn on Sunday, June 16 at 11 a.m. PST.

Several Western Growers members make an appearance in the documentary, including Vessey & Co., Anthony Vineyards, Tudor Ranch, Belk Farms and West-Gro Farms. This is a must-attend screening for those interested in protecting the future of agriculture.

To purchase tickets, click here.

You can view a trailer of the documentary here.

THE GREEN DESERT Synopsis:

America’s harshest climate is home to the nation’s breadbasket and it is in a fight to survive.  The desert valleys of Imperial, Coachella and Yuma produce 90% of the winter vegetables consumed in the US.  Agriculture in this region depends on Colorado River water delivered from the All-American Canal. Imperial Valley harvests leafy greens by the truckload, delivering over 1 billion servings a year.  The alfalfa it grows is the bedrock of the food supply chain, making dairy and meat production possible. THE GREEN DESERT presents a dazzling kaleidoscope of farming in the arid Southwest against the backdrop of water shortages and historic lows in the storage reservoirs of Lake Powell and Lake Mead, caused by a 20-year drought and the effects of climate change.

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Register Now for Upcoming Western Growers University Courses

May 20th, 2024

Join our experts and secure your spot for upcoming Western Growers University courses. Whether you’re a Western Growers member or a non-member, these courses are sure to take your business to the next level.

Upcoming courses:

OXNARD

Preventing Discrimination and Harassment, Course for Supervisory Employees

May 29, 2024 | 9:30am – 11:30am | Spanish | Member $90 – Non-Member $120

May 30, 2024 | 9:30am – 11:30am | English | Member $90 – Non-Member $120

Preventing Discrimination and Harassment, Course for Non-Supervisory Employees

May 29, 2024 | 8:00am – 9:00am | Spanish | Member $36.75 – Non-Member $49

May 30, 2024 | 8:00am – 9:00am | English | Member $36.75 – Non-Member $49

Building Trust in the Workplace

May 29, 2024 | 12:30pm – 2:30pm | Spanish | Member $90 – Non-Member $120

May 30, 2024 | 12:30pm – 2:30pm | English | Member $90 – Non-Member $120

Being Accountable for Your Results

May 29, 2024 | 2:30pm – 4:30pm | Spanish | Member $90 – Non-Member $120

May 30, 2024 | 2:30pm – 4:30pm | English | Member $90 – Non-Member $120

BAKERSFIELD

Preventing Discrimination and Harassment, Course for Supervisory Employees

June 18, 2024 | 9:00am – 11:00am | English | Member $90 – Non-Member $120

June 18, 2024 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm | Spanish | Member $90 – Non-Member $120

Preventing Discrimination and Harassment, Course for Non-Supervisory Employees

June 18, 2024 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | English | Member $36.75 – Non-Member $49

June 18, 2024 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm | Spanish | Member $36.75 – Non-Member $49

 

To register for these courses, click here. To view a complete course guide for 2024, click here.

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WGCIT Hosts Sakata Seed Global Academy

May 17th, 2024

The Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology (WGCIT) in Salinas hosted the Sakata Seed Global Academy on May 16 to discuss and share valuable agtech insights.

WGCIT Director Dennis Donohue addressed the 16 leaders in attendance, discussing the fresh produce supply chain and Western Growers’ innovation initiatives designed to support it. Charles McGregor, General Manager of Denver-based GeoVisual Analytics, also talked about running a startup in the Salinas Valley and working with different types of farming operations.

Founded in 1913 and headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, Sakata Seed Corporation is a global leader in seed breeding and production.

For more information about joining the WGCIT, visit the Center’s website here.

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WG Member Discount Available for 2024 Salinas Biological Summit

May 17th, 2024

Tickets for the Salinas Biological Summit, scheduled for June 25-26, 2024, in Salinas, Calif., are available for purchase, and Western Growers members are eligible to purchase tickets at a discounted rate.

Presented by Western Growers and Wharf42, the two-day Summit brings together local and international industry experts, agricultural businesses and innovators to share knowledge, insights and best practices in science-based biological solutions.

This is a must-attend event for those in agriculture wanting to stay at the forefront of advancing biological solutions.

Ticket Prices

Western Growers Member – $325

Non-Western Growers Member – $525

Student – $195

Click here to purchase tickets and secure your spot.

You can view the full Summit Program here.

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Cal/OSHA Reminds Employers to Protect Workers from Heat Illness

May 15th, 2024

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) is reminding all employers to protect workers from heat illness as high temperatures are forecast in the coming days. Some of the highest temperatures include:

HighTempsChart_CalOSHA

Employers in California are required to protect outdoor workers from heat illness by providing water, rest, shade and training and must closely observe their workers for signs of heat illness.

In certain industries, when the temperature at outdoor worksites reaches or exceeds 95 degrees, Cal/OSHA’s standard requires additional protections. The industries with additional high-heat requirements are agriculture, construction, landscaping, oil and gas extraction and transportation of agricultural products, construction materials or other heavy materials. High-heat procedures include ensuring employees are observed regularly for signs of heat illness and establishing effective communication methods so workers can contact a supervisor when needed.

Employers with outdoor workers in all industries must take the following steps to prevent heat illness:

  • Plan – Develop and implement an effective written heat illness prevention plan that includes emergency response procedures.
  • Training – Train all employees and supervisors on heat illness prevention.
  • Water – Provide drinking water that is fresh, pure, suitably cool and free of charge so that each worker can drink at least 32 ounces (or four cups of water) per hour and encourage workers to do so.
  • Rest – Encourage workers to take a cool-down rest in the shade for at least five minutes when they feel the need to do so to protect themselves from overheating. Workers should not wait until they feel sick to cool down.
  • Shade – Provide proper shade when temperatures exceed 80 degrees. Workers have the right to request and be provided shade to cool off at any time.

Details on heat illness prevention requirements and training materials are available online on Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention web page and the 99calor.org informational website. A Heat Illness Prevention online tool is also available on Cal/OSHA’s website.

Western Growers Insurance Services (WGIS) provides a diverse range of comprehensive training services for its members and clients. For more information about heat illness employee safety training and other additional safety training services, please visit https://www.wgis.com.

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NLRB Ruling Blurs the Line Between Opinion and Threat

May 16th, 2024

A confusing National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruling in the case Amazon.com Services LLC makes employer communications concerning union activity even more difficult to navigate.  

An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) in San Franciso recently ruled that opinion statements made by Amazon CEO Andy Jassy (Jassy) violated the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) because they were deemed threatening in nature. In several nationwide interviews, Jassy offered his opinions on unionization. Specifically, that employees would lose their direct relationship with managers if they elected a union; they would be less empowered and find it harder to get things done as unions are slower and more bureaucratic; and that employees would be better off without a union.  

The ALJ ruled the first statement – the prediction that unionization would change the employer-employee relationship – to be lawfully stated opinion. However, Jassy’s predictions that employees would be less empowered, would find it harder to get things done quickly, and would be better off without a union, were found to violate the NLRA because they went beyond merely commenting on the employee-employer relationship and did not comply with the standards for protected speech established by NLRB precedent.  

The Amazon case took place in the context of a union organization campaign that began in 2021. Under the NLRA, “[t]he expressing of any views, argument, or opinion, or the dissemination thereof, whether in written, printed, graphic, or visual form, shall not constitute or be evidence of an unfair labor practice under any of the provisions of this Act, if such expression contains no threat of reprisal or force or promise of benefit.”  The standard of review is whether the remark can reasonably be interpreted by an employee as a threat — a supposedly objective standard. However, given the current administration’s pro-union stance and the NLRB’s position of support, the standard has become considerably subjective.  

 

What Does It All Mean? 

The Amazon decision does nothing to bring clarity to the “opinion” vs. “threat” analysis. It does, however, emphasize the aggressive stance being taken by the NLRB in protecting union activity. Saying that the company would be better off without a union can be perceived as a threat, especially if you also claim that unions cause bureaucratic delays. Therefore, those speaking for management should exercise caution. When union activity rises in the workplace, management must be very careful and deliberate about their statements, at least until a reviewing court rules otherwise. 

 

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FSMA Final Rule on Pre-Harvest Agricultural Water Resources

May 8th, 2024

On May 6, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published the final rule to amend the agricultural water provision of the produce safety regulation. This update replaces previous criteria and testing requirements with a new regulatory approach emphasizing systems-based assessments to target key contamination risks, including testing in specific circumstances. It mandates timely risk-based actions and introduces expedited mitigation for certain hazards. Importantly, these changes are designed to remain adaptable to future scientific advancements while ensuring practicality for farms of all sizes and types. Ultimately, the revisions aim to address microbial contamination routes effectively, thereby reducing preventable foodborne illnesses, which pose a significant public health concern.

Compliance Dates and Documentation Requirements

Western Growers developed a one-pager with compliance dates and documentation requirements for the Final Rule on Pre-Harvest Agricultural Water. You can download it here.

Western Growers has also developed a flowchart for preharvest agricultural water assessment risk-based outcomes. Download it here.

FDA Water Assessment Fact Sheet

Find a fact sheet created by the FDA summarizing the factors to evaluate for the agricultural water assessments, the assessment outcomes, corrective measures, mitigation measures and reassessment.

https://www.fda.gov/media/178221/download?attachment

FDA Factors to Consider As part of the Agricultural Water Assessment

The FDA posted a document that includes additional information and examples on factors to consider for the agricultural water assessment.

https://www.fda.gov/media/178227/download?attachment

Process Decision Tree for Agricultural Water Assessment and Risk-Based Outcomes

The FDA posted a decision tree to make decisions based on the findings from the inspection and ag water assessment.

https://www.fda.gov/media/178219/download?attachment

FDA Informative Webinars

The FDA will host an informative webinar on May 20, 2024, at 10-11 a.m. PDT, 1-2 p.m. EDT. The FDA is allowing registrants to submit questions about the rule during the registration process.

Register here.

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]

 

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Heat Safety Comes into Focus as Temperatures Rise 

May 16th, 2024

Under federal and state laws, all employers have a duty to take steps to help workers become acclimated to high heat conditions and to prevent potentially deadly heat-related situations. Federal OSHA provides agricultural employers with many useful resources through its OSHA Publications website. Cal/OSHA also provides employers with compliance tools when it comes to preventing heat-related illnesses through its online Heat Illness Prevention Tool.  

Employers in federal OSHA states can expect additional heat-related regulations in early 2025 as OSHA just received a unanimous recommendation to push forward its Proposed Rulemaking for heat. Although formal rulemaking is underway, OSHA continues to enforce heat-related hazards through its General Duty Clause which requires employers to provide an environment free from recognized hazards that cause or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm (e.g., heat-related illness).  

As discussed here and here, employers in California – already a forerunner on the issue of outdoor heat illness prevention – should prepare for Cal/OSHA’s final steps in releasing its indoor heat illness rule.  

A Few Key Tips 

As in all cases, preparation is the best course of action. Employers should begin reviewing existing Heat Illness Prevention Plans ahead of the scorching temperatures anticipated this season and encourage supervisors to begin discussing the following topics with employees: 

  • The location of the company’s Heat Illness Prevention Plan (HIPP) and how it can be accessed.  
  • Location of all designated cool-down areas. 
  • Water provisions and how best to access them.  
  • Emergency response procedures and effective communication best practices.  
  • What to look for to easily identify the effects of heat on newly assigned employees. 

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Wonderful Nurseries Files Lawsuit Challenging Card Check Law

May 16th, 2024

Wonderful Nurseries, LLC has filed a lawsuit against the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB) in Kern County Superior Court, contending that the newly implemented card check law is unconstitutional.

As discussed here, over recent months, a conflict has escalated between Wonderful Nurseries and the United Farm Workers (UFW). In March, the ALRB announced that UFW had submitted 327 authorization cards, representing a majority of the workforce at Wonderful Nurseries. However, nearly 150 employees had previously submitted signed declarations to the ALRB, stating that they did not realize the cards were votes to unionize, and were led to believe by UFW that the cards were limited to accessing $600 in federal Covid relief funds.

According to the lawsuit, the law mandates that employers must begin collective bargaining within 90 days after a union is certified, which in this case falls on June 3. Wonderful asserts that the card check law unfairly excludes employers from the unionization process. Furthermore, the company argues that the new law lacks requirements for dating authorization cards and does not include an independent verification process to confirm that a majority of employees genuinely support unionization. Consequently, the company is requesting an injunction to preventing the Board from enforcing the certification with respect to Wonderful until a verdict is reached in the lawsuit.

The resolution of this legal challenge holds significant implications for the unionization process of agricultural workers in California. Western Growers is closely monitoring the case, and will report on future developments as they occur.

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Stay Informed on Workplace Safety Trends During National Safety Month

May 17th, 2024

June has been designated as National Safety Month by the National Safety Council. This event is intended to increase awareness of workplace safety topics and reinforce our collaborative responsibility to keep each other safe. Safety is everyone’s responsibility!

Starting on the first week of June, there will be a four-part weekly series in the Spotlight newsletter following the topics designated for National Safety Month. The topics are:

Week 1: Safety Engagement – Cultivating a positive safety culture through employee engagement can create an environment where safety is inherent in every task.

Week 2: Roadway Safety – Prioritize roadway safety with strategic tips to mitigate the risk of accidents and ensure the safety of employees and other road users.

Week 3: Risk Reduction – Proactive identification of risks and hazards foster a safer work environment.

Week 4: Slips, Trips and Falls – A frequent cause of significant workplace injury and associated costs, these types of incidents are often preventable.

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WG Annual Meeting Sponsorship Opportunities Available

May 15th, 2024

The Western Growers’ 98th Annual Meeting will take place on November 3-6 at the JW Marriot Scottsdale Camelback Inn & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona. This event brings growers, shippers and processors together with allies and suppliers in the fresh industry.

The following tiered sponsorship opportunities are available:

  • [SOLD OUT – Inquire about waitlist] Diamond Sponsors enjoy exclusive privileges, including attendance at the Diamond Breakfast and VIP Reception with WG Board of Directors and Executive Leadership; access to attendee recruitment emails; presenting sponsor status for the full conference with event sponsorship at all major events; reserved table access; a video opportunity; Western Growers social media recognition; a full-page ad in the conference guide; four (4) full conference registration passes; six (6) tickets to Party with the Partners; logo inclusion in various conference materials; and post-event recognition in the Western Growers’ Year in Review and Western Grower & Shipper.
  • Platinum Sponsors receive event sponsorship and podium acknowledgement for one (1) event; a reserved table at one (1) event; four (4) tickets to the VIP Reception with WG Board of Directors and Executive Leadership; a sponsor-provided Conference Bag insert; Western Growers social media recognition; a full-page ad in the conference guide; four (4) conference registration passes; five (5) tickets to Party with the Partners; post-event recognition in the Western Growers’ Year in Review and Western Grower & Shipper magazine; and their logo featured in the conference guide, the Annual Meeting registration website, the event mobile app and on-site signage.
  • Gold Sponsors receive three tickets to the VIP Reception with WG Board of Directors and Executive Leadership; a sponsor-provided conference bag insert; Western Growers social media recognition; a ½ page ad in the conference guide; three (3) conference registration passes; four (4) tickets to Party with the Partners; access to a post-event report; recognition in the Western Growers’ Year in Review; and logo visibility in conference materials, the Annual Meeting website, the event mobile app, onsite signage and the Western Grower & Shipper.
  • Silver Sponsors will receive a ⅓ page ad in the conference guide; two (2) conference registration passes; three (3) tickets for Party with the Partners; access to a post-event report; recognition in the Western Growers’ Year in Review; and logo visibility in conference materials, the Annual Meeting website, the event mobile app, onsite signage and the Western Grower & Shipper.
  • Bronze Sponsors will receive two (2) tickets to Party with the Partners; access to a post-event report; recognition in the Western Growers’ Year in Review; and logo visibility in conference materials, the Annual Meeting website, the event mobile app, onsite signage and the Western Grower & Shipper.
  • Industry Partner Sponsor will receive one (1) ticket to Party with the Partners; access to a post-event report, recognition in the Western Growers’ Year in Review; and logo visibility in conference materials, the Annual Meeting website, the event mobile app, onsite signage and the Western Grower & Shipper.

Western Growers is dedicated to providing a valuable sponsorship program that maximizes exposure and offers distinctive, personalized networking opportunities. Strengthen your company brand, reinforce your relationships with existing customers and build new connections with potential customers and other industry leaders by sponsoring the Western Growers Annual Meeting.

Please contact Rob Steinmann at [email protected] or click here for more information about our sponsorship opportunities.

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Western Growers Annual Meeting Early Bird Registration is Now Open

May 13th, 2024

Secure your pass at a discounted rate for Western Growers’ 98th Annual Meeting when you register before August 30, 2024. Act fast to take advantage of early bird registration!

You won’t want to miss this year’s event at the luxurious JW Marriot Scottsdale Camelback Inn & Spa! Join key decision-makers from Western Growers member companies as the Annual Meeting brings growers, shippers and processors together with allies and suppliers in the fresh produce industry.

With room rates starting at $319, our accommodations are expected to fill up quickly. Reserve your spot before it’s too late!

For the latest updates on session topics, featured speakers and registration details, be sure to visit www.wgannualmeeting.com.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Strengthen your company brand, reinforce your relationships with existing customers and build new connections with potential customers and other industry leaders by sponsoring the Annual Meeting. Western Growers is dedicated to providing a valuable sponsorship program that maximizes exposure and offers distinctive, personalized networking opportunities.

Please contact Rob Steinmann at [email protected] or click here for more information about our sponsorship opportunities.

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You’re Invited: Western Growers Data Cultivation Workgroup

May 13th, 2024

Join Western Growers’ first Data Cultivation Workgroup meeting, hosted by Gustavo Reyes, Food Safety Manager, Western Growers Science on June 12. The goal is to form a workgroup of industry, academics and other professionals who will work together to advance data science and develop projects to address challenges faced by the produce industry.

Data science is in an uncharted area of potential. You’re invited to join the collaboration to lead the way and discover ways to push the boundaries of innovation in the produce sector. This group is meant for those who want to be a part of a thriving community of data enthusiasts dedicated to overcoming industry challenges.

What: Data Cultivation Workgroup

Date: June 12, 2024

Time: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. PST

Location: Virtual

Don’t miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of data-driven solutions in the produce industry! For more information and to register, click here.

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Register for the 2024 Agri-Pulse Food & Ag Issues Summit

May 13th, 2024

Registration is open for the 2024 Agri-Pulse Food & Ag Issues Summit, which will be held on June 4, 2024 at the Sheraton Grand in Sacramento. “This year’s theme, Rightsizing California Agriculture for New Growth and Opportunities, will bring participants together to provide perspective on how farmers and ranchers will need to adapt,” said Agri-Pulse Editor Sara Wyant.

The event will offer a full day of speeches and panel discussions by notable speakers and panelists, including Stuart Woolf, President and CEO of Woolf Farming & Processing; Steve Brazeel, Founder and CEO, Sunterra; and Jenny Maloney, Global-Americas Strategic Accounts Manager at Bayer CropScience Vegetable Seeds.

For more information and to register for the event, click here.

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California Supreme Court Recognizes Employers’ Good-Faith Defense Against Penalties for Wage-Statement Errors

May 9th, 2024

Over the last two years the California Supreme Court case Naranjo et al. v. Spectrum Sec. Servs., Inc. has served to settle several divisive issues among the courts. With its May 6, 2024, ruling the Court gives us one final lesson.   

As discussed here, the original question before the Court concerned whether the law requires employers to treat certain amounts — premium pay awarded for the deprivation of a lawful meal or rest break — as wages earned for purposes of provisions penalizing the willful failure to timely pay wages to former employees and the knowing and intentional failure to report wages earned in compliance with Cal. Labor Code section 226.  Answering that question in the affirmative, the Court held that employers are required to treat missed-break premium pay as wages.  

As discussed here, the Court then remanded the case to the Court of Appeal for a determination on whether a good faith defense to allegations of willfulness can also be considered when deciding whether an alleged violation was knowing and intentional. This question was also answered in the affirmative. However, a division in the courts remained and the case was again remanded to answer the following question: 

  • Whether an employer has knowingly and intentionally failed to comply with California Labor Code Section 226’s wage statement requirements when it had a good faith, yet erroneous, belief that it was in compliance. 

On remand it was made clear that, under long established law, an employer cannot incur civil or criminal penalties for the willful nonpayment of wages when the employer reasonably and in good faith disputes that wages are due. Affirming the lower court’s judgment, the Court’s final Naranjo ruling provides that if an employer reasonably and in good faith believed it was providing a complete and accurate wage statement in compliance with the requirements of section 226, then it has not knowingly and intentionally failed to comply with the wage statement law.   

Ultimately, if an employer can show it had a reasonable and good faith belief that a compliant and accurate wage statement was being provided, then it has a defensible argument against a claim that the alleged wage statement error was known and intentional. 

With its final ruling Naranjo offers clarity to employers navigating the complexities of wage statement requirements while offering a safe harbor in the case of genuine misunderstanding or inadvertent errors. Nonetheless, employers should remain cautious when relying on a good faith belief defense against failure to timely pay wages owed claims as any decision on the issue will be highly fact specific. 

 

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California’s Workplace Violence Prevention Plan Compliance Deadline is July 1st

May 9th, 2024

California’s SB 553i requires all employers – with few exceptions – to create and implement a comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP). As a reminder, the statute’s effective date of July 1, 2024, is just around the corner.    

Effective July 1st employers must have in place:  

  • A WVPP that meets the law’s specific standards; 
  • A violent incident log to record any violent workplace incidents or threats; 
  • A comprehensive training program for all employees on workplace violence prevention; and 
  • A record-keeping plan that ensures compliance and is maintained for at least five years. 

As discussed here, to assist employers in establishing, implementing and maintaining an effective WVPP, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has released a Model WVPP.  Nonetheless, employers must be mindful of Cal/OSHA expectation that each WVPP be customized to reflect the specific needs of the organization and resist the temptation to use an off-the-shelf plan.  

Additional resources can be found on Cal/OSHA’s WVPP webpage.  

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Webinar: DOL Farmworker Protection Final Rule

May 9th, 2024

The Department of Labor (DOL) will host a webinar to cover the recently published Farmworker Protection Final Rule on May 23, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. PT. The webinar will last approximately 90 minutes. Registration is not required, however attendance will be capped at 1,000. The webinar will be posted to their site at a later undisclosed date.  

Reminder: The Final Rule will become effective June 28. OFLC will begin accepting applications subject to the provisions of this rule on August 29. 

We encourage you to save the webinar access information to your calendar so you can secure your spot in the webinar.  

Thursday, May 23, 2024
12:00 PM | Pacific Time (US & Canada) | 1 hr 30 mins 

Join from the meeting link:
https://usdol.webex.com/usdol/j.php?MTID=ma26d3026be80383b09fadbfafa063487 

Join by meeting number:
Meeting number (access code): 2828 054 0956
Meeting password: H2ARule2024 

 

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Agriculture Energy Savings Action Plan Services and Incentives Available

May 7th, 2024

Growers often experience extreme water and energy demands, resulting in heavy financial burdens. The Agriculture Energy Savings Action Plan (AESAP) services agricultural electrical and gas customers in the Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) service area and employs energy efficient practices to reduce costs to growers and boost their bottom line.

Program Offerings Include:

● Rebates

● Custom Incentives

● Common Energy-Efficient Projects

For more information and to see if you qualify for assistance, please visit https://agenergysavings.com/.

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