Federal Article Feeds California Assembly Leader Makes Employment Law Reform Demands In Midst Of Budget Negotiations
In the midst of the California budget mess that pits Democrats against Republicans, Assembly Republican leader Mike Villines has published a list of demands to be met before GOP politicians agree to discuss new taxes. As reported by the Sacramento Bee, here, Villines has taken the position that Democrats have to capitulate to GOP demands for the 8-hour work day, meal breaks, looser environmental regulations, permanent budget cuts and a stiff spending cap, among other things.
The Bee quotes Villines: “We think you have to do these reforms first, cuts first and make sure that you’re doing an economic package that puts people back to work,” Villines said. “Then you have a discussion about revenue - and only then.”
The list of employment law reforms are as follows:
REGULATORY CHANGES - EMPLOYMENT LAW FLEXIBILITY
Employee Schedule Flexibility (perhaps referring to the 8 hour overtime rule)
Expanding Health Care Options for Employees (Health savings accounts)
Reducing Unwarranted Litigation (not clear what this means)
Overtime for high way earners (again, not clear)
Meal and Rest clarification (referring to the ensure vs. provide debate)
Eliminate “needs test” to allow more apprenticeships
As pressure mounts to reach a deal, political horse-trading of this sort may take place. Even so, commentators seem to think that employment law reform is wishful thinking.
Submitted by:
Christopher W. Olmsted
Barker Olmsted & Barnier, APLC