Blog
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 Employers who rely on outdated forms or handbooks risk unnecessary exposure as employment laws continue to change.
CAUTIONARY TALE EPISODE 106
PAYBACKS BUTT KICKED
$586,000 Citation for Prevailing Wage Shenanigans
The federal Wage and Hour Division has cited Maryland construction company J. Solano HVAC LLC $586,000 for a payback scheme by which it paid pipefitter mechanics and sheet metal workers prevailing wage, but had them return everything over $30/hour. The company also misclassified some workers as less skilled to pay them lower prevailing wage rates.
KNOW THE BOUNDARIES
Mandatory Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
California employers face a difficult question: are employees genuinely learning from sexual harassment prevention training, or just checking a box?
Every two years, employers with five or more on payroll must provide sexual harassment prevention training to California employees (on-site or remote). Supervisors must receive at least two hours; nonsupervisory employees must receive at least one hour. New hires must complete training within six months of hire.
WHAT’S NEW IN 2026
CALIFORNIA MINIMUM WAGE RATES AS OF JANUARY, 2026
California’s minimum wage landscape continues to evolve two times each year. The statewide rate will rise to $16.90 per hour for all employers on January 1, 2026. Many cities and counties enforce local minimum wage ordinances that exceed that rate.
To keep track of interim updates, see the UC Berkeley Center for Labor Research and Education.
HO-HO-HOLD THE LINE
Holiday Cheer Without HR Fear
A company year-end holiday party celebrates wins and brings people together. It can also spark complaints or liability if treated like “anything goes.” Host it with warmth, clear expectations, and smart planning.