Total Articles: 13
No Individual Liability for Supervisors Under Military Service Anti-Discrimination Law
Mario Pantuso is a member of the U.S. Navy. He served six months in Iraq and then sought return to his job at Safway Services. Denied reinstatement, he sued Safway and two former supervisors under the Military and Veterans Code for discrimination. If you are unfamiliar with that law, here it is, as quoted by the court:
EMPLOYEE HANDBOOKS: OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW.
Every employment lawyer has had the experience of asking a client for a copy of her employee handbook, only to be given an old, coffee-ring stained document, cobbled together in different typefaces, only partially contained in a three-ring binder.
Use of Contractors Carries Hidden Risk for Businesses (pdf).
If you hire a contractor to perform construction,
farm labor, garment, janitorial, or security
services, there is a huge financial risk you need
to know about. Under a little known provision
in the California Labor Code, your company
could be held liable to the contractor’s employees
in the event the contractor skirts its labor
law obligations.
California and Federal Law Regarding Teenage Employment During The Summer.
As the school year ends in a few days, teenagers are looking for summer jobs. Make sure you are aware of state and federal laws regulating the employment of minors.
THE “WORK SHARING” PROGRAM: AN ALTERNATIVE TO LAYOFFS.
Employers facing tough economic times are sensitive to the impact layoffs have on their employees. To avoid eliminating jobs, some employers look for other cost-cutting measures that distribute the financial burden across the workforce. One option for employers serious about cutting payroll costs is to reduce work hours for non-exempt employees.
GOV. SCHWARZENEGGER SIGNS BILL OUTLAWING TEXTING OR E-MAILING WHILE DRIVING
California's hands-free cell phone law went into effect on July 1, 2008. Under that law, drivers are prohibited from using handheld wireless telephones while driving, unless the device allows for hands-free listening and talking.
Know The Voting Leave Law For Election Day!
Election Day is fast approaching on November 3, 2008. California law requires employers, in limited circumstances, to allow employees time off to vote. The law also requires employers to post a notice of this right. Some of our clients have reported that employees assume that they are absolutely entitled to paid time off on election day, but that is not the case. Our FAQ explains the rules.
Employers Have New Role In Cell Phone Driving Law (pdf).
On July 1, 2008, the long awaited California
Wireless Telephone Automobile Safety Act finally
goes into effect. The new law prohibits drivers
over age 18 from using handheld wireless telephones
while driving, unless the device allows for
hands-free listening and talking. Drivers under the
age of 18 will be prohibited from using wireless
telephones altogether, even if employing a handsfree
device, and from using “mobile
service devices” such as
Blackberries,a pagers and laptops.
Employers Have New Role In Cell Phone Driving Law (pdf).
On July 1, 2008, the long awaited California
Wireless Telephone Automobile Safety Act finally
goes into effect. The new law prohibits drivers
over age 18 from using handheld wireless telephones
while driving, unless the device allows for
hands-free listening and talking. Drivers under the
age of 18 will be prohibited from using wireless
telephones altogether, even if employing a handsfree
device, and from using “mobile
service devices” such as
Blackberries,a pagers and laptops.
California Law Banning Cell Phone Use While Driving Takes Effect July 1.
California’s law banning the use of cell phones while driving goes into effect July 1, 2008. The California Wireless Telephone Automobile Safety Act imposes a minimum $20 fine for anyone caught driving and using a cell phone unless the driver uses a headset, ear bud or other technology that frees both hands. The fine increases to $50 for subsequent violations. Drivers under 18 are prohibited from using cell phones while driving even if a hands-free device is used, and are also prohibited from using “mobile service devices” such as Blackberries, pagers and laptops.
Put Down That Cell Phone!
A new California statute that prohibits motorists from using a hand-held cellular telephone while driving becomes effective July 1, 2008. Motorists who are 18 years of age or older may use a "hands-free" device while driving. Motorists under age 18 are not permitted to talk on a cell phone at all while driving, whether via a hands-free device or otherwise. This prohibition only applies to drivers, not to passengers. There will be a $20 fine for the first violation and $50 per violation for subsequent offenses. The only exception in the law is for calls made during emergencies to 911 or a health-care provider.
Political Activity at Work: What are the Limits?
Whether the subject matter is a large sporting event or upcoming presidential election, employees naturally bring their opinions, passions, loyalties and arguments into the workplace. As the November 2008 presidential election approaches, the candidates, the political parties, and the various media will continue to stir thought and debate among the nation’s voters, most of whom report to a job site.
Employers Need to Take Reasonable Measures to Maintain Secrecy of Information They Want to Protect (scroll down).
In San Jose Construction, Inc. v. S.B.C.C., Inc. the California Court of Appeal looked at the issue of whether information taken by an employee upon his departure from a construction company constituted trade secrets.
