Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
WHAT’S NEW IN 2026 WHITE COATS, NEW RATES
California Labor Code section 515.6 exempts certain licensed physicians and surgeons from Labor Code 510 overtime compensation upon receipt of specified minimum hourly compensation. That rate changes annually.
Service Offering BREAK POINT
Meal and rest break violations remain a leading source of wage-and-hour litigation in California. Many claims arise from routine practices that employers can correct with proper oversight.
Service Offering GHOSTED
California employers face a growing trend: employees who stop showing up without notice. Handling these ghosting cases without a clear process can create unexpected legal exposure.
Service Offering
TAILORED FUNCTIONING
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 Employers who rely on outdated forms or handbooks risk unnecessary exposure as employment laws continue to change.
WHAT’S NEW IN 2026
COMPUTER SOFTWARE OVERTIME EXEMPTION RATES
California Labor Code section 515.5 exempts certain computer software professionals from overtime compensation if paid specified minimum compensation.
California’s Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) announced a 3.3% rate increase for 2026, from $56.97 to $58.85, stemming from the California Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. Alternatively, an otherwise qualified salaried employee is eligible on minimum annual compensation of $122,573.13, up from $118,657.43, payable at least once monthly at no less than $10,214.44.
FIND OUT WHAT’S NEW IN 2026
EDUCATION EDGE
Annual Virtual Seminar
for Employers
Friday, February 27, 2026
Covering Employment Legal Essentials and New Workplace Laws
EMPLOYER PAY DATA REPORTS
State Website a Valuable Aid for Making the May 13, 2026 Deadline
Government Code 12999 requires private employers of 100 or more direct or labor contractor hires to submit an annual pay data report to the Civil Rights Department (CRD). See California’s Annual Occupation Census: Two Steps Will Expand Employee Data Reporting Law (November 14, 2025) for details.
WHAT’S NEW IN 2026
MILEAGE BOOST
2.5 Cent Increase, Annual IRS Standard Mileage Rate
The Internal Revenue Service has announced the 2026 optional standard mileage reimbursement rate for employee business use of a personal vehicle, effective January 1, 2026. The rate increases 2.5 cents, from 70 to 72.5 cents/mile.
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.