Archive for July, 2018
CAUTIONARY TALES EPISODE 14
Workplace Illness and Injury Prevention Programs are Mandatory in California On July 10, 2018, Cal/OSHA issued a press release that is a stark reminder of the need for an Illness and Injury Prevention Program (IIPP) both on paper and in practice. Cal/OSHA cited SSA Pacific Inc., a marine cargo handler in San Diego, for safety […]
ADDITIONAL PROTECTION FROM SERIAL HARASSERS
California Employers May Disclose Sexual Harassment Allegations to Prospective Employers Defamation refers to the laws that make someone accountable for harming another’s reputation through the spread of falsehoods either verbally (slander) or in writing (libel). Alleged sexual harassers have sued employers and sometimes victims for defamation in connection with statements made in a sexual harassment complaint […]
BASIC WORKPLACE “RULES OF THE ROAD”
2018 California Wage Orders Overview The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) through the California Industrial Welfare Commission (IWC) created and continues to refine 17 wage orders (Wage Orders) to regulate employee pay and working conditions by applicable industry or occupation. For example, Wage Order 4 applies to professional, technical, clerical, and mechanical occupations; Wage […]
CAUTIONARY TALES EPISODE 13
Builders are on the Line When Subcontractors Underpay Employees The latest installment of California’s “wage theft” campaign targets the construction industry. On July 9, 2018, Labor Commissioner Julie Su announced citations against TB Penick & Sons, Inc. (Penick), a San Diego general contractor and its subcontractor Champion Construction, Inc. (Champion), a drywall and framing contractor […]
COOL IT
Summer is Here – Are Your Outdoor Workers Protected from Heat Illness? Summer is upon us, time for seasonal measures to protect workers from heat illness. California’s Occupational Safety & Health Standards Board (OSHSB) 2015 regulations set the standards. See, New Heat Illness Prevention Measures Now in Place (May, 2015); Employers Must Chill (April 11, […]
CAUTIONARY TALES EPISODE 12
646,000 Reasons to Pay Final Wages on Time Continuing her “Wage Theft is a Crime” crusade against employers who fail to pay workers all compensation in a timely fashion, the Labor Commissioner announced citations against Vista Santa Rosa, Inc., a San Bernardino farm labor contractor, and seven of its client employers, who failed to give […]
OH NO YOU DIDN’T!
What to Do When an Employee Refuses to Sign a Disciplinary Notice Businesses must discipline their employees fairly and consistently in accordance with company policy. An employer should keep proper records of poor performance and misconduct in the worker’s personnel file, including text messages, emails, and formal warnings, along with documentation of the employer’s attempt […]
CAUTIONARY TALES EPISODE 11
Cheesecake Factory and Its Janitorial Contractors Assessed $4.57 Million for “Wage Theft” The state Labor Commissioner has assessed Cheesecake Factory Restaurants, Inc. and two contractors hired for janitorial services some $4.57 million for underpayment of minimum wage and overtime to 559 janitorial workers at eight Southern California locations. The decision is a significant caution to […]