Cal/OSHA Emergency Standards: Top Three Things Employers Need to Know

by Alexandra Saddik and Jonathan Babione In November 2020, Cal/OSHA released extensive Emergency Temporary Standards that became effective on November 30, 2020. Cal/OSHA continues updating the guidance on implementing these standards, with the latest update occurring on January 8, 2021. Here are the top three things businesses need to know about the Cal/OSHA standards: 1.  All businesses must implement a

NEW COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS: WHAT BUSINESSES NEED TO KNOW

by Alexandra P. Saddik and Jonathan R. Babione As you likely know, throughout November, California has been experiencing a steady rise of COVID-19 cases that prompted both state and local governments to impose a new round of restrictions on businesses. Below are summaries of the recent updates from the various state and Northern California agencies. CALIFORNIA State-level COVID-19 restrictions have

SB-1383’S IMPACT ON BUSINESSES

by Alexandra P. Saddik and Jonathan R. Babione On September 17, 2020, Governor Newsom signed SB 1383, expanding the California Family Rights Act (“CFRA”). Under the original CFRA, employers with 50 or more employees were required to provide 12 weeks of job-protected leave in any 12-month work period to employees who need time off to care for a family member.

COVID-19 UPDATE: CALIFORNIA AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT POLICY CHANGES

by Alexandra P. Saddik and Jonathan R. Babione As we head into the fall season, government policies regarding management of the pandemic have changed. Here are the updates that could impact businesses: FEDERAL Payroll Tax Holiday: On August 8, 2020, President Trump signed an executive order allowing businesses to defer payment of payroll tax obligations from September 1, 2020 through

COVID-19 UPDATE

by Alexandra P. Saddik and Jonathan R. Babione As COVID-19 cases increase in California, both state and local governments continue to issue new policy directives that employers must be aware of. Here is a summary of the recent updates. California: The state recently issued a playbook for employers intended to clarify the policy and procedures for a safe reopening. Apart

COVID-19 UPDATES AND GUIDANCE TO MANAGING COVID-19 IN THE WORKPLACE

by Alexandra P. Saddik and Jonathan R. Babione On July 13, 2020, the state announced that all counties in California must shut down indoor operation of restaurants, wineries and tasting rooms, movie theaters, family entertainment centers, zoos and museums, and cardrooms. Additionally, counties that have been on the County Monitoring List for three days—a list maintained by the state to

COVID-19: FEDERAL, CALIFORNIA, AND COUNTY UPDATES

by Alexandra P. Saddik and Jonathan R. Babione Federal, state, and county officials have been publishing general guidance for businesses reopening in recent weeks. Here is a summary of the movement occurring at each level: Federal  Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Guidance: Despite the fact that people age 65 or older have been classified as an at-risk age group for

COVID-19 UPDATE: BAY AREA COUNTIES FURTHER EASE RESTRICTIONS, CALIFORNIA PROVIDES NEW GUIDANCE

by Jonathan R. Babione and Alexandra P. Saddik At both the state and local level, restrictions are starting to be eased at a quicker pace. Here are the latest updates: California: The state has added guidance for childcare, day camps, music, film and TV production, professional sports minus live audiences, and schools at https://covid19.ca.gov/industry-guidance/. Additionally, the state released more in-depth

THE PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM FLEXIBILITY ACT

by Alexandra P. Saddik and Jonathan R. Babione  On June 5, 2020, President Trump signed the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (PPPFA). The PPPFA is intended to provide employers with more flexibility in how they spend funds borrowed through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Here are the main changes the PPPFA makes to the PPP: Loan Repayment Period: The PPPFA