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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

August, 2026
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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