The California law meant to protect Uber and Lyft drivers, as well as other gig workers, remains embattled and uncertain on multiple fronts. We’re watching to see how the U.S. Solicitor General responds, but every development seems to spark more questions than answers. Here’s a rundown: The law, which took effect in 2020 but quickly faced challenges that put it in limbo, was intended to prevent companies from denying employment protections and benefits to their workers by misclassifying … [Read more...]

Note: This article has been updated to reflect the U.S. Supreme Court’s Jan. 13, 2022 rulings in two vaccine mandate cases.  As efforts to increase the number of Americans who are vaccinated against COVID-19 ramp up, employees can expect to see more vaccine mandates in their workplaces.  Over the summer, the California Department of Public Health issued orders requiring certain covered health care facilities and school districts to verify their employees’ vaccination status and implement … [Read more...]

Harassment victims no longer can be muzzled by employers under new law New law frees harassment victims from employment secrecy clauses  Employers in California no longer can force victims of harassment or discrimination to keep quiet about those experiences. As of Jan. 1, the “Silenced No More Act” expands state law to cover all settlement agreements regarding harassment or discrimination, closing a loophole in prior law. The new law (SB 331) bans confidentiality and non-disparagement … [Read more...]