An employee’s unpaid gap between shifts can create an additional pay obligation—even when no overtime is worked. This is called a “split shift.,” and generally occurs when an employer schedules an unpaid, nonworking interruption…
Read ArticleIn California, a salary and an impressive title do not automatically make an employee “exempt.” In 2026, employees generally must earn at least $70,304 annually—twice the state’s $16.90 minimum wage for full-time work—to satisfy…
Read ArticleCalifornia employers with employees working outdoors need to take heat illness prevention seriously—especially during summer. Under Cal/OSHA’s outdoor heat illness prevention standard, employers must provide fresh, suitably cool drinking water at no cost. If…
Read ArticleEmployers direct hiring through a staffing agency who want employment disputes decided through arbitration should create a new arbitration agreement. That’s what the Court of Appeal said in Toothman v. Redwood Toxicology Laboratory, Inc.…
Read ArticleDisability discrimination claims often turn on whether an employer knew, or reasonably should have known, that an employee had a disability. A Court of Appeal recently clarified that California employers are not required to diagnose a disability…
Read ArticleThe IRS increased its optional business mileage rate to 76 cents per mile for travel beginning July 1, 2026. California employers are not required to use the IRS rate, but it is generally considered…
Read ArticleThe Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces federal workplace discrimination laws. It formerly issued “guidance” to help motivated employers design a voluntary affirmative action plan that are more likely to withstand a challenge of…
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