The New Year will soon be upon us. With that, there are several changes to California employment law statutes that will take effect beginning January 1. These changes were enacted into law earlier this fall, but they have not taken effect yet. Nevertheless, it is prudent to use this post as a reminder to employees who may be affected by these changes.
Expansion of child related leave provisions – Employees will be able to be granted leave not only to care for sick children, but also to have time off to find a school or licensed day care provider in the event of a move. The new provisions also expands the classes of employees who are protected, as well as the types of businesses that are subject to the law.
New minimum wage law – Beginning January 1, 2016, California’s new minimum wage law take effect. Workers may make no less than $10.00 per hour. If the particular city the business is located in has a local ordinance that exceeds the new minimum wage rate, that local ordinance takes precedence.
California Fair Pay Act – The highly touted bill aimed at eliminating gender bias in wage payments will also take effect. Essentially, the threshold employees must meet in order to prevail on these claims changes, and employers now bear the burden of proof in showing that pay differentials are based on valid, non-gender based factors.
If you have questions about these or other changes to California employment law, an experienced attorney can advise you.