California workers, especially those who employed at companies who receive work through subcontracts, will be receiving more protections in the workplace from new legislation that holds businesses liable for labor law violations committed by companies they subcontract work to. Under Assembly Bill 1897, signed by Governor Jerry Brown, companies using subcontractors will now be held responsible when their subcontractors violate wage, workplace safety or workers' compensation laws."California … [Read more...]
Worker Misclassification: Employee or Independent Contractor, a Distinction That Makes a Difference
On the surface, worker misclassification seems just a label: employee or independent contractor? But how an employer classifies a worker can make a big difference in the protections and benefits he or she is entitled to. The issue has become particularly important today, as many companies are filling their rosters with what they deem independent contractors. In many cases, that is just what they are. But not always. And the misclassifications can prove costly for workers. There is no one … [Read more...]
Phone Bill Cramming Class Action Settlement: Verizon to Refund Unauthorized Charges
Jacobs Kolton, Chtd., David Schachman & Associates, P.C., Keller Grover LLP and Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP announced today that a class action settlement has been reached that will make it possible for Verizon landline customers to receive 100% refunds for unauthorized third-party charges. The settlement, preliminarily approved by United States District Court Judge Saundra Brown Armstrong, comes in a suit alleging that Verizon billed its landline phone customers for charges … [Read more...]
California Right to Know Act: A Bill to Give Consumers More Privacy Protection
The California Right to Know Act, a bill being considered by California lawmakers, would bring California consumers additional privacy rights by requiring companies to disclose to consumers the data they've collected and with whom it was shared during the past year, if the consumer requests it. The bill, known as the "Right to Know Act of 2013," AB 1291 would require companies to provide a free report in response to a customer's request and respond within 30 days. The law defines "customer" as … [Read more...]
Forced Arbitration: Can a Job Applicant Refuse to Sign an Arbitration Clause But Still Be Hired?
Forced arbitration agreements put job applicants in a no win situation. If they don't agree, they probably won't get hired and possibly be unable to financially support themselves and their families. If they do agree, are hired but management breaks the law, filing a lawsuit to protect their rights isn't an option. Instead, they're forced into an arbitration hearing where the process may be stacked against them. A bill that passed the California Assembly in May would change this … [Read more...]