Changes to California Employment Law Effective January 2015

As discussed in our previous article, 2015 brings with it some changes to California employment law. Many feel that frequent changes result in employees unsure of what their rights are in the workplace, but the changes to California’s employment law are for the employees protection and address issues that come up repeatedly as the California State Legislature attempts to ensure that all employees are provided with a safe work environment.

If you haven’t yet considered how the changes to California’s employment law in 2015 could impact you or your job, take a minute to consider the potential ramifications. Here are a few every California employee should be aware of effective January 1, 2015:

• Shared Liability for Employers who Use Labor Contractors
• Wage and Hour Changes: From $9 hourly minimum to $10 as of January 1, 2016. And depending on what city you work in, you may be entitled to a higher hourly minimum.
• Paid Sick Days Now Required
• Discrimination Law and Training Requirements were Expanded: There is additional protection included in portions of discrimination laws for: unpaid interns and volunteers.  
• Child Labor Laws Enhanced: Treble damages are now available and civil penalties for Class “A” violations have increased.
• Immigration and Retaliation: Additional clarification and additions to existing make protections for employees regardless of immigration status more clear.

These new laws may impact your workplace. If you are an employee struggling with any of the above issues, please get in touch immediately to discuss what protections you are entitled to and how we can alleviate the situation. Call the employment law experts at Blumenthal, Nordrehaug & Bhowmik.