The coronavirus pandemic has created a quagmire of tough decisions for today’s workers, and the landscape is about to shift again. Now, as states tentatively reopen their economies — California’s phased plan began May 8 (some localities were later) — both employers and employees have to figure out this new normal on the fly. But in the midst of the uncertainty, we can’t let companies take advantage of latitude they may be afforded. In some places, workers already are paying the price. … [Read more...]

As the novel coronavirus pushes governments and businesses to extraordinary protection measures, seemingly overnight, a new victim may be emerging: privacy.  Such a concern may seem superfluous amid a pandemic that has claimed tens of thousands of U.S. lives, sickened more than half a million, and turned a booming economy on its head. But ignoring reasonable limits — and the potential ramifications — could sacrifice privacy rights in a way some say poses many risks. Smartphones, health … [Read more...]

Law-breaking employers paid more than $88 million in penalties last year under a progressive California law that guards workplace rights, a new report finds. That’s up dramatically from $30.3 million in 2018. The Private Attorneys General Act lets workers sue on behalf of the State of California to recover civil penalties on behalf of the State and affected workers for labor violations. This legal option is available regardless of whether an employee has signed a forced arbitration agreement … [Read more...]