Teresa McQueen, Author at Western Growers Association Western Growers Association

Teresa McQueen

Western Growers, Corporate Counsel III

Teresa McQueen is Corporate Counsel III for Western Growers. In that capacity she provides advice and counsel to the organization on employment law matters and commercial trade practices. She also provides legal guidance to Western Growers members on employment law, human resources, and commercial agreements, as well as providing law-related educational opportunities and overseeing annual […]

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Posts By: Teresa McQueen

Western Growers Welcomes Raul Leal as Learning and Development Manager, Western Growers University

Western Growers is pleased to welcome Raul Leal as its new Learning and Development Manager supporting Western Growers University. Raul brings more than 18 years of experience in bilingual organizational learning, leadership development, and strategic advising, with a strong focus on helping teams turn complex workplace topics into practical, accessible training. Raul brings a…

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Best Practices: Don’t Let This Summer’s Lessons Go to Waste

With July workplace violence prevention training completed for many California employers and summer heat conditions still top of mind, late summer and early fall can be an ideal time to evaluate what worked, identify gaps, and begin preparing for next year's training cycle. California's Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP) requirements mandate annual training for covered employees,…

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Colorado Seeks Input on Proposed ADMT Regulations

As discussed here, on May 14, 2026, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed into law SB-26-198 (ADMT Act), which focuses on the use of automated decision-making technology (ADMT) in certain high-impact decisions. The ADMT Act requires the Colorado Attorney General’s Office to adopt rules clarifying and implementing specific provisions of the law before January 1, 2027. In…

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Best Practices: Don’t Always Default to Leave as an Accommodation

When an employee requests assistance related to a medical condition, many employers instinctively focus on a leave of absence. While leave can be a reasonable accommodation in some circumstances, it is not always the first or best solution. A recent federal appellate decision is an important reminder that employers should engage in a timely, good faith interactive process and consider…

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Warehousing in Focus: OSHA Renews National Emphasis Program

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has renewed its National Emphasis Program (NEP) on Warehousing and Distribution Center Operations, effective July 31, 2026. The renewed NEP specifically covers Farm Product Warehousing and Storage (NAICS 493130) and will remain in effect for five years. OSHA renewed the program because Days Away,…

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Colorado Ag Overtime Changes Bring Higher Threshold, Higher Penalties

As discussed here, Colorado’s SB26-121 originally proposed significant changes to the state’s agricultural overtime requirements. Signed into law on May 4, 2026, the new law takes effect January 1, 2027 and establishes a 56-hour workweek threshold before most agricultural employees must receive overtime pay. This replaces the lower thresholds that were scheduled to…

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California’s LWDA Revises Proposed PAGA Regulations

The California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) has issued a second round of proposed changes to its PAGA regulations, further clarifying key procedures and tightening compliance requirements. The latest revisions build on LWDA’s earlier proposal and address PAGA notices, employer cure opportunities, and filing practices. Notably, LWDA revised its rules for high-frequency…

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Heat Illness Reminder for CA and AZ

With another stretch of extreme heat affecting agricultural regions across the West, employers should take time now to confirm that heat illness prevention procedures are fully implemented, communicated and documented. In California, Cal/OSHA recently reminded employers of their obligation to provide workers with adequate water, shade or cool-down areas, rest breaks, and training.…

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Colorado Significantly Revises Its Landmark AI Law

Colorado made national headlines in 2024 by becoming the first state to enact a comprehensive law regulating high-risk artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The law immediately drew significant attention and criticism, from businesses and technology companies, prompting concerns about compliance burdens, uncertainty, and the potential impact on innovation. Following extensive stakeholder…

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Preventing Discrimination in California: The Workers’ Compensation Trap

The Scenario: Employee sustains a work-related injury and files a workers’ compensation claim. While the claim is pending, the employee is declared temporarily totally disabled (“TTD”) for one reason or another. After receiving notice of the TTD finding, the employer, believing the employee to be “totally disabled” (as opposed to “temporarily totally disabled) either refuses to…

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Smoke on the Horizon: What Employers Need to Do Now

As wildfire activity increases across Arizona, California, Colorado and New Mexico, employers should take proactive steps to protect employees from the health hazards associated with heavy smoke conditions. While California has a specific Wildfire Smoke Emergency Standard, employers in Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico are also required under federal OSHA's General Duty Clause to provide a…

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IRS Issues Mid-Year Mileage Rate Increase

In response to rising fuel costs, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced a mid-year increase to the optional standard mileage rates used to calculate deductible automobile costs for business, medical, or moving purposes. The increase is effective July 1, 2026. The following rates apply to eligible travel from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026: Business…

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EEOC Formally Proposes Recission of EEO-1 Reporting Requirement

On July 21, 2026, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), by a 2-1 vote, issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would rescind annual EEO data reporting requirements for employers and other covered entities. If finalized, the rule would eliminate the obligation to submit annual workforce demographic reports—commonly known as EEO-1, EEO-2, EEO-3,…

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Colorado Adds New Requirements for I-9 Identification Documents

Colorado employers should review their I-9 and onboarding procedures following the enactment of HB26-1283, which creates new restrictions on how employers handle applicants' and employees' government-issued identification documents. The law took effect immediately upon Governor Polis' signature on June 3, 2026, and establishes new notice requirements, strict limits…

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California Limits When Arbitration Agreements Can Be Enforced

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 2155 (AB 2155), aligning California's Arbitration Act with the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA). Effective January 1, 2027, an arbitration agreement that would be unenforceable under the FAA will likewise be unenforceable under California law. What Does it Mean? AB 2155 does not prohibit employment arbitration agreements or change the…

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California Civil Rights Department Updates Guidance on Disability Accommodations

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) has released new guidance on workplace protections for workers with disabilities. The fact sheet does not appear to create new legal obligations, but it is a useful reminder of California employers’ existing duties to reasonably accommodate employees and applicants with disabilities and to engage in a timely, good-faith interactive…

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Arizona AG Creates New Community Civil Rights Advisory Council

Arizona employers should take note of a recent development from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office: Attorney General Kris Mayes has announced the creation of a new Community Civil Rights Advisory Council within her office. The move follows the Arizona Legislature’s decision earlier this year to eliminate the state’s long-standing Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board. For nearly…

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DOL Clarifies When Meal Breaks Remain Unpaid Under the FLSA

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) recently issued an opinion letter providing an important clarification on unpaid meal break compliance under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The guidance addresses whether time spent walking to parking areas or navigating security during a meal period renders that time compensable. In its opinion letter, the WHD…

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Best Practices: AI in the Workplace: What Employers Should Be Doing Now

Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly moving from a “nice-to-have” tool to a core part of day-to-day operations. Employers are increasingly using AI for recruiting, performance management, workforce analytics, and employee communications. At the same time, regulators and courts are paying close attention. New laws, enforcement activity, and litigation trends signal that AI in…

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Best Practices: Workplace Investigations

Many state and federal laws require an employer to investigate employee complaints in a timely manner (e.g., California Fair Employment & Housing Act, Title VII, ADA/ADAAA). Prompt and thorough investigations ensure accurate recollections and give the employer the opportunity to quickly take all appropriate corrective actions. The first steps taken by an employer in any…

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