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Arbitrating Employment Disputes: State High Court Approves Use Of Arbitration Agreements But Many Will Require Changes; A 6-Point Checklist

The California Supreme Court has given an important stamp of approval to the use of mandatory arbitration clauses as a condition of employment as long as they meet certain requirements assuring fairness to employees. In the wake of the ruling, you’ll need to immediately review, and possibly revise, arbitration agreements signed by existing employees and […]

5 Steps to Leadership

Just My E-pinionBy Vicki Anderson, HR Consultant Our guest columnist says that instead of asking “Why can’t my people just do their job?” you should find ways to lead them to want to do it. When deadlines are pressing and everyone’s whining, when you’ve reminded someone of a task for the umpteenth time, or when […]

Workers’ Compensation: When You Could Be Liable For Injuries During An Employee’s Commute

San Diego police officer Stephen Molnar was subpoenaed to testify in court on a work-related matter on a day he wasn’t scheduled to report for duty. While driving his personal car from home to the courthouse, he was injured in an automobile accident. Molnar filed a workers’ compensation claim, which was ultimately denied. We’ll explain […]

Brinker Is Coming! Brinker Is Coming!

The California Supreme Court is expected to release its long-awaited decision in Brinker Restaurant Group v. Superior Court of San Diego on April 12 or 13. Finally: Firm guidance on how to properly handle your meal and rest breaks in California!

Employment Law Tip: Leave for Victims of Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault

In California, an employer with 25 or more employees is prohibited from discharging or in any way discriminating or retaliating against an employee who is a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault because that person takes time off from work for any of these reasons: to seek medical attention for injuries caused by the […]

Workers’ Compensation: Insurance Commissioner Approves Big Premium Rate Increase

The state Insurance Commissioner has approved a 10.1% premium rate hike for workers’ compensation insurance in response to increases in medical costs that have battered workers’ comp insurers. Although the approved boost is only advisory, increases adopted by the commissioner are frequently used by the industry as a guidepost to set policy prices.

E-Alert Item: Minimum Wage: IWC Nixes Increase

In a public meeting held in Sacramento on January 10, 2003, the California Industrial Welfare Commission rejected a petition to boost the minimum wage to $8 per hour. Despite this action, state lawmakers will likely introduce legislation during the new legislative session to raise the minimum wage. And labor representatives stated that they plan to […]

News Flash: Limits On Retirement Benefits To Go Up

Employees will be able defer a maximum of $10,500 to their401(k) plans next year, rather than the $10,000 cap currently in effect, under newcost-of-living adjustments announced by the IRS that go into effect January 1. Inaddition, the maximum annual benefit that can be funded through a defined benefit planwill rise to $135,000 from $130,000, although […]