If you own a hotel or operate a fast food franchise in California, the demand letter may already be closer than you think. California employers continue to face aggressive wage-and-hour litigation, PAGA representative actions, meal and rest period claims, harassment allegations, accessibility lawsuits, and misclassification disputes. For hospitality businesses, QSR operators, franchisees, and other high-volume…
Continue reading…California Franchise Disclosure Requirements: What Fast Food Franchisees Should Know Before Signing in 2026
If you are considering buying into a fast food franchise in California, or you are an existing franchisee facing renewal, the Franchise Disclosure Document, often called the FDD, is one of the most important legal documents you will review. For California fast food franchisees, the stakes are especially high in 2026. California’s franchise laws already…
Continue reading…California’s PAGA Reform: What Every Employer Needs to Know in 2026
If you operate a business in California, you have likely heard of the Private Attorneys General Act, better known as PAGA. Since 2004, PAGA has allowed individual employees to step into the shoes of the California Labor Commissioner and pursue civil penalties on behalf of the state for alleged Labor Code violations. For California employers,…
Continue reading…Cal/OSHA’s April 2026 “Safety and Health Protection on the Job” Notice: What California Employers Should Do Now
California employers should take a moment to review this important workplace posting requirement. Cal/OSHA has issued an April 2026 update to its required “Safety and Health Protection on the Job” notice, and employers should make sure the current version is printed and posted in the workplace. For business owners and managers, this is a simple…
Continue reading…California Supreme Court Rules on PAGA (Class Action) and Arbitration Claims
On July 17, 2023, the California Supreme Court issued a ruling in Adolf v. Uber. The court ruled that if the lead Plaintiff signed an arbitration agreement, that Plaintiff must first arbitrate their claims individually. In the meantime, the court has discretion to put the class action on hold until the arbitrator makes a decision….
Continue reading…Effective June 27, 2023 : Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
Effective June 27, 2023, employers with 15 or more employees must comply with the federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act by providing pregnancy-related accommodations to employees and applicants. Pregnancy-Related Accommodations: Under the PWFA, employees are entitled to accommodations for conditions related to or affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, both physical and mental. These…
Continue reading…Good news for California Employers: Mandatory Arbitration Agreements are Legal
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals blocked Assembly Bill 51 (AB 51), which would have banned mandatory arbitration agreements in the workplace. Key Points of the Ruling: 1. AB 51 has been blocked in its entirety: The 9th Circuit found that all of AB51’s provisions work together, and declined to sever certain parts and uphold…
Continue reading…OSHA Requirements – Effective 2/3/23
Effective: February 3, 2023, OSHA requires the following from ALL Employers for the next two years. Recordkeeping requirements will remain in effect for three years. Employers must provide face coverings and ensure they are worn by employees. HOWEVER, most counties and hotels in California have a low COVID-19 community level, which means employees wearing a mask is…
Continue reading…California Minimum Wage 2023
Statewide Minimum Wage California’s minimum wage for all employers regardless of size will increase to $15.50 per hour. This is a change from the increase that was previously scheduled because of a provision in the law that is triggered when inflation is above 7%. Exempt Employee Minimum Salaries and Wages The minimum salary threshold for…
Continue reading…California Pay Scale Law – Effective 1/1/23
Effective January 1, 2023, Senate Bill 1162 requires California employers to include pay scale information on job postings and report certain pay data. Employers are still prohibited from asking applicants about their pay history including compensation and benefits. For All Employers: If an applicant requests the pay scale for a position, you must provide it….
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