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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.
WHAT’S NEW IN 2026
DOESN’T HURT TO ASK (If Asked Correctly)
New “Safe Harbor” Law Permits Employers to Address Worker Bias
Effective this coming January 1, an employer will not be liable under the Fair Employment and Housing Act for in good faith seeking worker acknowledgment of personal bias as part of “bias mitigation training.” Government Code 12940.2
CAUTIONARY TALE EPISODE 105
NICE TRY, NO CIGAR
$800K-Plus Citation For Misclassifying Truckers as Independent Contractors
On Board of Field Enforcement investigation, California’s Labor Commissioner has citedCostco, Ryder Last Mile, and Mega Nice Trucking $868,128 for misclassifying truck drivers as independent contractors. Ryder subcontracts big box store deliveries, and subcontracts in turn to Mega.
WHAT’S NEW IN 2026
COMEBACK KIDS
Rehire Rights Extended for Certain Pre-Pandemic Employees
In 2021, California passed California Labor Code 2810.8, effective through 2024, requiring some hospitality and business service industries to give rehiring preference to workers laid off because of the pandemic. In 2023, the legislature extended that law through 2025.
WHAT’S NEW IN 2026
Layoff Laws Level Up
Stricter Notices, Bigger Stakes: California Updates Its WARN Act
California’s Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (CalWARN) Act — the state’s “mini-WARN” — expands the federal WARN Act and requires advance notice before major workforce reductions. Effective January 1, 2026, SB 617 requires employers to expand CalWARN notice content to help workers access retraining, community resources, and public benefits.
FIND OUT WHAT’S NEW IN 2026
FOR A HAPPI(ER) NEW YEAR
Annual Virtual Seminar for Employers
Friday, January 30, 2026
Friday, February 27, 2026
Covering Employment Legal Essentials and New Workplace Laws
THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN
Seventh win in a row! Pasadena Weekly once again acknowledges us as the best firm in town. Thanks to everyone who voted and supported us. We continue to provide management trustworthy guidance through the rocks and shoals of California employment law.
Again, thanks.
Tim, Cindy, Helena and staff
WHAT’S NEW IN 2026
CALIFORNIA’S ANNUAL OCCUPATION CENSUS
Two Steps Will Expand Employee Data Reporting Law
California Government Code 12999 mandates businesses with 100 or more employees on payroll and/or hired through labor contractors submit an annual pay data report to the Civil Rights Department (CRD) “[on] or before the second Wednesday of May …”
WHAT’S NEW IN 2026
PERSONNEL RECORDS ACCESS
Employee Rights Expanded
Under Labor Code 1198.5, former and current employees have had the right once a year to inspect and receive copies of their personnel records relating to performance and grievances.
SB 513, effective January 1, 2026, expands access to include education and training documentation, to include: