Articles by: Gregory J. Walsh

Napa and Sonoma County Fires: Employer Resources and Obligations

In light of the devastating fires in Napa and Sonoma Counties, employers should be aware of some available resources and other obligations required by law. We have compiled some information regarding available benefits, employee pay, leaves, and other information Napa and Sonoma County employers may find useful, below. Unemployment Benefits Available   Disaster Unemployment Assistance […]

Employer Obligations for Heat Illness Prevention during Harvest

This weekend, the weather forecasters predict temperatures in Napa County will reach 108 degrees with parts of Sonoma County and Mendocino County topping 112 degrees.  Even in the early hours, agricultural laborers working harvest may be exposed to high heat conditions.  What follows is a quick refresher for those employers with outside work areas on […]

Gender-Neutral Restroom Guidance:

By March 1, 2017 all business establishments, places of public accommodation, or state or local government agencies must designate single-user toilet facilities as “all-gender.” A single-user toilet facility is a toilet facility with no more than one water closet or urinal with a locking mechanism controlled by the user. There is no requirement in the […]

ALERT: Legal Challenge To AB 1513 Filed. Deadline to file for Safe Harbor protections extended to July 18, 2016.

Nisei Farmers League filed a lawsuit on June 27, 2016 in Fresno Superior Court challenging the legal validity of certain provisions of AB 1513 governing payment for nonproductive time for employees compensated by piece rate. The extension of time to file for safe harbor protections with the California Labor Commissioner was extended in order to provide […]

Big Changes Ahead: Minimum Salary for Exempt Employees Must Be $47,476 By December 1, 2016

On May 18, 2016 the United States Department of Labor (“DOL”) released its final updated regulations governing overtime exemptions.  The DOL’s Wage and Hour Fact Sheet detailing the changes can be found here. Although it does not go as far as the proposed rules, the new regulations dramatically expand the number of workers eligible for […]

Reform Of Immigration System

From the Law Offices of Melissa Harms: We are pleased to announce that President Obama unveiled a long-awaiting plan to reform the immigration system on November 20, 2014.  His executive action brings immediate relief to as many as 4.4 million undocumented foreign nationals living in the US through a few key programs: Deferred Action for […]

California’s New Minimum Wage Affects Wine Industry Employers

As of July 1, 2014 California’s minimum wage is $9.00 per hour. All employers with employees making minimum wage should review their payroll practices to ensure the change has been implemented moving forward. Employers will need to update their Wage Notices to reflect the change for new employees, but existing employees can receive notice through […]

The New Form I-9 Has Arrived!

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) posted its new Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification on its website Friday, March 8, 2013. The form is available for immediate use by employers. Employers should begin using it as soon as possible, but if they need to update their internal procedures prior to implementation, employers may continue […]

2013 Employment Reminders (Happy New Year!)

As of January 1, 2013 most California employers must comply with a handful of important new laws.  Here are two that should top your list: 1. Commission Agreements:  Employers must have a written and signed commission agreement for all employees who receive any part of their compensation in the form of a commission. (Labor Code […]

Employee Commission Agreements Need to be in Writing Soon

It’s tough to think about New Year’s Day on the 4th of July, but January 1, 2013 is a date that nearly all California employers need to focus on.  By that date, and in accordance with California Labor Code §2751, all employee commission plans must be reduced to writing.  This means handshake deals for sales […]

California Supreme Court Issues Major Employment Law Decision

Earlier today California Supreme Court released its long-awaited decision in Brinker v. Superior Court, clarifying an employer’s obligations with regards to meal and rest break requirements for hourly employees.  This decision affects almost every California employer, and all employers should carefully review their policies and practices to ensure they are in compliance.  Overall, this ruling […]

The Fair Treatment of Farmworkers Act: A Game Changer for Agricultural Employers

While many employers have focused their attention on the stalled Employee Free Choice Act over the past few years, another more targeted bill has quietly made its way through the California legislature. Senate Bill 104, the “Fair Treatment of Farmworkers Act,” would effectively eliminate secret ballot elections for organizing farmworkers by creating a “card check” […]