Blog
WHAT’S NEW IN 2026
HEED THE PLAGUE
Workplace Mass Litigation Is Out of Control
A quiet pandemic is plaguing California employers: the mounting wave of class actions and Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) claims over underpaid wages, overtime, meal and rest periods and more. The cost in defense and in settlement can be devastating.
WHAT’S NEW IN 2026
NO ESCAPING NOTICE
DLSE Updates Mandatory Paid Sick Leave Posting
The California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement has updated the mandatory Paid Sick Leave poster. California employers must download and display it in a conspicuous workplace location.
CAUTIONARY TALE EPISODE 108
EMPLOYEES, NOT ON THE MENU
Kentucky Fried Chicken Settles Sexual Harassment Claims
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has found reasonable cause to believe KFC violated federal law by subjecting an Orlando location employee to a sexually hostile work environment and then firing her in January 2022 in retaliation for objecting. The agency found a second employee also affected.
FIND OUT WHAT’S NEW IN 2026
GO FOR THE WIN
Annual Virtual Seminar for Employers
Friday, January 30, 2026
Friday, February 27, 2026
Covering Employment Legal Essentials and New Workplace Laws
CLAIM CONTROL
Understanding California’s “Claim and Conference” Process
California employers may receive a “claim and conference” notice of a current or former worker’s wage claim with the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE), also known as the Labor Commissioner.
CAUTIONARY TALE EPISODE 107
TIPPING POINT
Restaurant Cited for Depriving Service Staff
The federal Department of Labor (DOL) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has cited Naya Ding, Inc., owner of Rowland Heights restaurant, Ma’s Kitchen, $17,311 for unpaid overtime and an illegal tip pool.
WHAT’S NEW IN 2026
SIGN OF THE TIMES (UPDATE)
“Workplace Know Your Rights Act” DIR Template Notice Now Available
Effective February 1, 2026, all California employers must provide each worker with an annual, stand-alone notice summarizing key labor protections and constitutional rights. See Sign of the Times (October 24, 2025).
FIND OUT WHAT’S NEW IN 2026
IN THE KNOW
Annual Virtual Seminar for Employers
Friday, January 30, 2026
Friday, February 27, 2026
Covering Employment Legal Essentials and New Workplace Laws
DEVILS OR DETAIL
Precision Timekeeping: Best Protection Against Business Damnation
Our new year’s message to management: please focus on the fine details of workforce time and pay documentation. Like a speeding ticket to the lifetime freeway driver, it is only a matter of time before an unmindful employer gets flagged with a mass litigation suit, possibly placing millions at stake for technical Labor Code violations. Workplace Roulette – Reducing the Odds of PAGA Purgatory (December 13, 2024)
DON’T MISS THE BOAT
Workplace Policy Handbook & Forms for 2026
Clearly written policies and procedures support productivity, reduce confusion, and limit preventable employment disputes. Employers who rely on outdated forms or handbooks risk unnecessary exposure as employment laws continue to change.