As we near the end of 2019, it is important to take a look at the changes that will be coming in the future. California lawmakers were busy this year, and employers must keep up with the changes to protect their business.
LeBeau Thelen, LLP, will be hosting an upcoming seminar in Bakersfield to update employers about some of the most important changes, so they will be prepared for these changes to take effect in 2020.
What will the seminar cover?
On December 5, our attorneys will present and provide comprehensive explanations of recent changes to state and federal laws, including:
- Worker classifications: In September, California lawmakers passed Assembly Bill No. 5 into law. This law states that workers can only be classified as independent contractors if they pass the three factors of the ABC Test. However, there are many exemptions to this test for certain businesses and industries.
- Banned mandatory arbitration: Assembly Bill No. 51 officially banned employers from including clauses mandating arbitration to resolve employment issues. Therefore, employers must understand what other options they have to reduce the risk involved in legal disputes.
- New sexual harassment training requirements: Senate Bill No. 778 obligates employers with five or more employees to conduct sexual harassment prevention training that meets specific requirements.
- The new statute of limitations for discrimination claims: In 2020, the state statute of limitations to file a discrimination claim will be three years.
- Expanded parental leave: Starting in 2020, certain workers will have eight weeks of paid family leave instead of six.
- Required lactation accommodations: This new law will require employers to offer breaks to employees specifically for lactation. They must also make certain accommodations, such as providing a private room or area for lactation.
At the seminar, we will explain how these changes will impact employers, and discuss changes employers might have to make to comply with the new laws.
Employers must understand these changes
It is an employer’s responsibility to keep up to date with all employment law changes. That way, they can protect their employees and ensure they minimize any risks if they face legal challenges.
These changes might seem intense, but with the proper guidance and strategies, employers do not have to worry about the future of their business.
