ALERT: Wage Theft Equals Grand Theft

On September 27, 2021, Assembly Bill No. 1003 (“AB 1003”) was signed into law. AB 1003 makes the intentional “theft of wages” from an employee a form of “grand theft”, punishable by Penal Code Section 487m. Importantly, AB 1003 defines employee to include independent contractors, and employer to include the hiring entity of the independent contractor, expanding the scope of

Updates on AB 51 and Its Effect on Arbitration Agreements in Employment Contracts

By Adam Nathaniel Arce Background: AB 51 In 2019, Governor Newsom signed into law California Assembly Bill 51 (“AB 51”). AB 51 has the following effects: Prohibits employers from requiring employees to sign arbitration agreements as a condition of employment, requiring instead that the arbitration agreement be entered into consensually by the parties. Prohibits retaliation or discrimination against an employee

Lawyer Business Advantage Podcast with Michelle Ferber

To listen to Michelle’s talk with Podcast Producer Alay Yajnik, click here.   IN THIS EPISODE, ALAY AND MICHELLE DISCUSS: Keeping focused on the people factor. Creating a culture of trust, flexibility, and productivity. Talent retention, leading and growing your team.   KEY TAKEAWAYS: Create a culture where you can trust your employees – give people the ability to do

SOME INSIGHT FROM THE CALIFORNIA LABOR COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE: Affirmative Steps Employers Can Take to Encourage Meal Breaks

In a recent victory on behalf of one of our clients, Ferber Law successfully defeated all claims for alleged missed meal breaks.  The opinion of the Labor Commissioner provides insight as to what employers can do to create evidence of providing employees with an opportunity to take a meal break and were not discouraged, impeded or otherwise prevented from taking

Cal/OSHA Revises Emergency Temporary Standards

By Alexandra Saddik On June 17, 2021, Cal/OSHA voted on new Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS). Governor Newsom also signed an executive order waiving the 10-day review period, which means that these new emergency temporary standards took effect immediately. What Has Changed? The purpose of the ETS revisions was to align the workplace requirements with California’s reopening requirements. The revisions made

COVID-19 Vaccinations: What Employers Need to Know

by Alexandra Saddik As the state moves forward with reopening and COVID-19 vaccines become more widely accessible, the guidance on what employers can and cannot do with regards to vaccinations is still ambiguous. Here is where the guidance is currently on the state and federal level, along with some best practices for addressing employment issues in regard to vaccinations. Can

Hiring Home Caregivers: Know the Law

  Directly hiring a #caregiver? Then this new episode of Absolute Trust Talk is for you! Listen in as Kirsten and Jon Babione of Ferber Law discuss legal requirements involved and best practices for the employer-employee relationship.  #podcast #inhomecaregiver #absoluteTtust #podcast @KirstenHowe @AbsoluteTrustCounsel To listen to the podcast, follow the link: https://bit.ly/3eiN9VI    

Association of Defense Counsel Wednesday Webinar: Employment Law in the New Normal

As #COVID19 numbers continue to drop, businesses are once again assessing how to reopen safely. This presentation will cover the Cal/OSHA emergency standards and best practices for addressing the presence of COVID-19 in the workplace. We will also cover the current guidance on #vaccinations in the workplace and the new COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave, obligations businesses have to their customers, and legal