SACRAMENTO, Calif. — There will be several changes to the workplace in California at the start of the new year, including wage increases and expanded employment protections.
Minimum wage increases
The minimum wage will be bumped from $16.50 to $16.90 an hour on Jan. 1. California became the first state in the nation to set a $15 minimum wage – going into effect in 2022 – which now increases each year based on the national Consumer Price Index (CPI) for urban wage earners and clerical workers, according to the California Department of Industrial Relations.
“Stay-or-Pay” contracts
Employers can no longer offer employment contracts that charge employees for any training-repayment agreements, quit fees, or other employment cost-recovery fees upon an employee’s departure.
There are several exceptions to the agreements regarding repaying tuition reimbursement and incentive bonuses linked to staying at the job.
Expanded protections on tips
The California Labor Commissioner will now be authorized to investigate and issue citations to employers who withhold or garnish tips from service workers.
WARN Act
California is adding enhancements to the California Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act to help workers during a mass layoff event.
Employers must now include information on if they plan to coordinate with local workforce development agencies, as well as information on CalFresh, the state’s food assistance program.
Gig workers
Uber and Lyft can now form and organize unions for collective bargaining. The new law also establishes the business standards needed for a union to be formed…