California Labor Law Changes
HAPPY 2020!
WELCOME TO ANOTHER ROUND OF CALIFORNIA LABOR LAW CHANGES!
California churches and organizations there are some labor law changes for 2020. Below are the critical ones that may affect your organization.
Minimum Wage
As of January 1, 2020, minimum wage in California will increase as follows:
Lactation Accommodation
Effective, January 1, 2020, California law required greater employer responsibilities to provide lactation accommodations. SB 142 requires the following:
Create and implement a Lactation Accommodation policy.
In addition to developing and implementing a policy, managers should be trained on the new law and how to accommodate requests from employees.
Provide a designated lactation room close or near the work area of employees.
This space needs to be private, safe, and clean. The space also should have an electrical outlet, comfortable seating, a surface to place a pump, and access to a refrigerator to store expressed milk. A sink with running water should be close by as well.
Finally, employers must provide employees a “reasonable” amount of break time to express milk. Reasonable amounts of time in excess of the normal meal and rest breaks must be permitted.
Appearance and Grooming
Ensure your policies do not discriminate against race by prohibiting “natural” hair, including afros, braids, twists and locks. SB 188 (a.k.a. the CROWN Act - Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair), grows the Fair Employment and Housing Act’s definition of race to include traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles.
Arbitration Agreements
If your employees are required to sign arbitration agreements, you should have your legal counsel review your existing arbitration agreement to ensure the agreement is updated to meets the new laws regarding arbitration in California.
If you need help in either creating or updating your employee handbook contact me at info@christiancomplianceresources.com.