Teresa McQueen is Corporate Counsel 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 updates […]
The California Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments in Estrada v. Royalty Carpet Mills, Inc. A decision in the case is expected to address the current split in California Appellate courts on the issue of trial court authority when it comes to limiting California Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) claims and addressing manageability. PAGA authorizes aggrieved employees to file…
As discussed here, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) 2022 EEO-1 Component 1 data collection opened October 31, 2023. The deadline for submitting and certifying reports was December 5, 2023. Employers that have not yet submitted their reports must – according to the EEOC – do so “as soon as possible, and no later than January 9, 2024 (the “Failure…
In addition to updating its California Paid Sick Leave FAQ’s, the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) recently updated its Paid Sick Leave Poster and statutory Wage Theft Notice (Notice). The newly updated Notice is provided ahead of its statutory March 1, 2024, deadline. However, as of the date of this article, the updated Notice is currently only available in English (See…
The Colorado Department of Labor Employment (CDLE) has released its final Equal Pay Transparency (EPT) Rules (Rules) and Statement of Basis, Purpose, Specific Statutory Authority, and Findings, clarifying the state’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act (Act). Largely unchanged from its proposed version, the Rules become effective on January 1, 2024. Under the Act, Colorado employers have an…
Under Arizona’s Fair Wages and Healthy Families Act, the state’s minimum wage will increase to $14.35 an hour effective January 1, 2024. The increase will not apply under the following circumstances: If an individual is employed by a parent/sibling, the State of Arizona or the federal government. If a business grosses less than $500,000 in annual revenue and is exempt from paying…
The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments in Estrada v. Royalty Carpet Mills, Inc. A decision in the case is expected to address the current split in California Appellate courts on the issue of trial court authority when it comes to limiting California Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) claims and addressing manageability. PAGA authorizes aggrieved employees to file lawsuits…
The National Labor Relations Board’s (the Board) new Final Rule, establishing an expansive new test for determining when an employer is deemed a ‘joint employer,’ is facing legal challenges. A review of the Final Rule’s significant changes can be found here. Actions brought by the Service Employees International Union and a coalition of business groups led by the U.S. Chamber of…
If you found it difficult to keep up with all of the new directives coming from the National Labor Relations Board (the Board) in 2023, buckle up – it looks like more of the same as we head toward 2024. Priorities for the Board and General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo will continue to focus on narrowing existing work rules and expanding Union protections. A few key areas will likely…
The California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) has released proposed draft automated decisionmaking technology (ADMT)[i] regulations defining protections related to businesses’ use of these AI-related technologies. The proposed draft regulations would implement consumers’ rights to opt out of, and access information about, a business’s uses of ADMT, as provided for by the California…
U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers important winter weather reminders for avoiding workplace illness, injuries or fatalities in workplaces impacted by winter weather. OSHA provides various resources aimed at improving the way people prepare for and respond to cold weather conditions. A few key reminders for employers this winter…
