Archive for the ‘Termination, Discipline’ Category
CUPID’S ARROWS ARE FLYING
How to Regulate Workplace Romances With sexual harassment allegations surfacing daily in the media, it’s not surprising that coworkers may be more hesitant to date each other. In the 2018 CareerBuilder’s Annual Valentine’s Day survey, only 36% percent of workers reported having dated a coworker, a 10-year low. Regardless, office romances remain a fact of […]
BANNING WEED IN THE WORKPLACE
California Employers May Maintain Drug-Free and Alcohol-Free Policies Effective January 1, 2018, California’s “Adult Use of Marijuana Act” (AUMA) (California Health and Safety Code [HSC] sections 11357-11362.9) permits adults 21 years of age or older to possess and use marijuana for recreational purposes. Fortunately, AUMA does not alter the rights of California employers to maintain […]
ASSISTING WORKER-VICTIMS OF STALKING, SEXUAL ABUSE AND OTHER TRAUMATIC INCIDENTS
HELPING THE HAUNTED – California Employers Must Accommodate Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault or Stalking California Labor Code section 230 prohibits all employers from terminating, discriminating or retaliating against employee victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking for taking time off for related court appearances. Private employers with 25 or more on payroll must […]
HIGH TIMES IN CALIFORNIA
HOW TO RISE ABOVE THE HAZE In November 2016, California voters approved The Adult Use of Marijuana Act, also known as Proposition 64 (California Health and Safety Code [HSC] sections 11357-11362.9) which allows adults 21 years of age or older to possess and use marijuana for recreational purposes. Fortunately, Proposition 64 does not alter the […]
WORKPLACE VAPING GOES UP IN SMOKE
California Bans Electronic Cigarettes from the Office On May 4, 2016 California Governor Brown signed a series of legislative amendments effective June 9, 2016 which extend smoke-free workplace protections, re-define tobacco products to include e-cigarettes and vaping devices, and raise the legal minimum smoking age from 18 to 21. Although current law prohibits the smoking […]
IS YOUR HARASSMENT POLICY CALIFORNIA COMPLIANT?
New Regulations May Require Policy Overhaul The California Fair Employment and Housing Council (FEHC) enacts regulations that protect employees from unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation, stressing the employer’s affirmative duty to prevent such workplace misconduct. As previously covered in New California Pregnancy Disability Leave Poster Requirements Take Effect On April 1, 2016, the FEHC amended […]
HALLOWEEN OFFICE PARTIES – TRICK OR TREAT?
Do’s and Don’ts For Max Fun, Zero Horror As in our blog “Don’t be Haunted by Your Office Halloween Party,” workplace celebrations of the occasion can build teamwork and morale if properly planned and managed. We’ve put together some suggested do’s and don’ts to help make your Halloween party a smashing success. DO: Evaluate what […]
CALIFORNIA SICK LEAVE BENEFIT “CLEAN-UP” LEGISLATION INTRODUCED
Proposed Amendments Aim to Modify the Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act Prior to Its July 1, 2015 Effective Date Our article “Mandatory Paid Sick Leave For California Employees” (Mandatory article) describes the California’s Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014 (the Act) which on July 1, 2015 will require all California employers — regardless of […]
SAN FRANCISCO MINIMUM WAGE ESCALATES TO $12.25 ON MAY 1, 2015
City Employers Must Also Post Poster Specifying this Requirement Commencing May 1, 2015, all employers (regardless of where located) must pay wages of at least $12.25 per hour to each employee who performs work in San Francisco (including temporary and part-time employees). As discussed in our prior blog article San Francisco Minimum Wage Escalates to […]
CHANGING TIMES DEPARTMENT
New Definition of Spouse Under Federal Family Medical Leave Act Now Includes Same Sex Couples Prior to 2013, same sex spouses had no FMLA leave benefits regardless of whether their residence state recognized same sex marriages. However, U.S. Supreme Court’s 2013 decision in U.S. v. Windsor struck down the federal Defense of Marriage Act which […]