Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Proposed Bill Seeks to Regulate Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) By Employers in California
Artificial intelligence (AI) is on the rise. A number of different major tech companies have recently rolled out AI-related tools and services. The use of AI raises a number of different concerns. In April, a group of legislators in California introduced Assembly Bill 331 (AB 331)—a first-of-its-kind proposal to regulate the business use of… Read More »
The Restaurant Owner’s Guide to Tip Pooling in California
The restaurant industry is one of the most important economic engines in California. Statista reports that restaurant and foodservice companies employ more than 1.8 million people in our state. Many California restaurants use tipping as part of their business model for employee compensation. As a restaurant owner, you may be considering whether to implement… Read More »
California Supreme Court Interprets Employee Whistleblower Statute in Broad Manner: What This Means for Employers
On May 22, 2023, the Supreme Court of California rendered a decision in the case of People ex rel. Garcia-Brower v. Kolla’s, Inc. As a unanimous opinion by the state’s highest court, the ruling both clarifies and expands the rights of whistleblower employees under state law. Here, our Riverside County employment lawyer for employers… Read More »
What Employers Should Know About the NLRB’s Recent Guidance On Confidentiality and Non-Disparagement Provisions in Severance Agreements
Earlier this year, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a key decision McLaren Macomb (372 NLRB No. 58 McLaren Macomb 07-CA-263041). The federal agency determined that broad language in a severance agreement that bars an employee from “making statements that could disparage the employer” and/or from “disclosing the terms of the agreement” violates… Read More »
What California Employers Should Know About the New Federal Workplace Requirements for Nursing Mothers
In December 2022, President Joe Biden signed the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act) into law. This law extends additional legal protections to nursing mothers. Here, our Riverside County employment attorney provides an in-depth overview of the key things that California employers should know about new workplace requirements for nursing… Read More »
Alternative Workweek Schedules in California: An Overview for Employers
Work schedules are critical for employers that hire non-exempt hourly employees. Employers need to staff appropriately to conduct business and anticipate labor costs to budget costs and stay profitable. When hourly workers put in more than 40 hours per week, they are entitled to overtime pay. An hourly worker in California could also be… Read More »
Employment Law: Ninth Circuit Blocks California Ban On Workplace Arbitration Agreements
On February 15, 2023, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit released a highly anticipated decision on California’s attempted state-level ban on the use of mandatory pre-dispute arbitration agreements in employment law. In the case of Chamber of Commerce v. Bonta, the court of appeals affirmed an injunction put in place… Read More »
Recent California Regulatory Action Emphasizes The Importance Of Proper Worker Classification For Employers
On March 7, 2023, the State of California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) announced massive sanctions against Feld Care Therapy, Inc., based in Los Angeles County. The company purportedly misclassified approximately 1,280 workers. The DIR issued more than $9 million in financial penalties. The proceedings serve as a reminder for employers: Proper worker classification… Read More »
English-Only Policies: What Employers In Riverside County Should Know About Federal And State Law
Are you an employer in Riverside County considering implementing an English-only policy in your workplace? You would very likely be running afoul of state law. There were strict new workplace regulations put in place in 2018. There is also federal law on language-based workplace policies, but it is much less restrictive for employers. Here,… Read More »
Steps That An Employer Should Take When An Employee Sues In California
Businesses and organizations need strong relationships with their employees. A conflict with a worker can be stressful and frustrating—especially if a lawsuit is filed. Every employer has a right to defend itself against an employee’s lawsuit. It is imperative that employers know what to do. Here, our Riverside County employment lawyer highlights key steps… Read More »