2013 brings more changes on the notices that must be posted and the pamphlets that must be distributed in California workplaces.  These include:

–       Pregnancy Leave and Family Leave Notices:  Any California employer with five or more persons on payroll is subject to the pregnancy disability leave  (PDL) law .    Any California employer with 50 or more on payroll must comply with the California Family Rights Act (CFRA). Effective December 30, 2012, employers must post updated notices on employee rights and responsibilities under the PDL (Notice A) and the CFRA (Notice B).

–       Non-Discrimination and Non-Harassment Notices, Pamphlets: California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits workplace discrimination on the basis of “sex,” previously defined to include gender, pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth.  The Legislature expanded the definition in 2012 to include breastfeeding and related medical conditions.  As a result, employers must post new a version of the workplace non-discrimination notice.

–      Anti-Human Trafficking Postings: As mentioned in “New Labor Laws for 2013: Slavery and Human Trafficking Notice Required for Some Businesses,” certain types of businesses will need to post a notice with specific information about slavery and human trafficking.  This law was effective January 1, 2013.  The California Department of Justice is developing a model notice, due by April 1, 2013.

These are just the highlights.  California and the federal government require employers to post and otherwise provide their workers with a range of printed statements and information on workplace laws and required procedures, available online from such agencies as the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), California’s Employment Development Department (EDD), the California Department of Industrial Relations (worker’s compensation), the California Industrial Welfare Commission (IWC) (wage orders),  and the U.S. Department of Labor.

Businesses may purchase a wide-ranging California and federal employment notices poster for 2013 through the California Chamber of Commerce website.

Our firm’s attorneys Tim Bowles or Cindy Bamforth can assist you in implementing or revising workplace policies as appropriate to ensure compliance with these requirements.