• The HR Specialist - Print Newsletter
  • HR Specialist: Employment Law
  • The HR Weekly

Employment Law

9th Circuit upholds CDIR’s apprenticeship crackdown

10/29/2013
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that the California Department of Industrial Relations (CDIR) did not violate U.S. Department of Labor apprenticeship rules when it ordered three contractors to remove from public works projects apprentices who were enrolled in a federally run program.

Farmers Insurance sued for race discrimination in Fresno

10/29/2013
The EEOC claims managers at a Farmers Insurance Exchange office in Fresno scapegoated two Asian-American adjusters after an improper coding scandal came to light. It also asserts a white adjuster was fired in retaliation for cooperating with the EEOC’s investigation.

Madera farm faces charges of sexual harassment by bosses

10/29/2013
The EEOC has filed suit against Madera-based Zoria Farms and its predecessor company, alleging it fired several women after they complained of rampant sexual harassment.

Using prison labor? You’re not an ’employer’ under ADA

10/29/2013
Absent limited circumstances, a private employer using prison labor probably isn’t required to provide reasonable accommodations under the ADA.

Cal-OSHA law applies even to tiny businesses

10/29/2013
Think your business is too small to be covered by Cal-OSHA safety regulations? Think again.

Employees must use own vehicles for work? You could be liable

10/29/2013
Here’s a good reason to check with your insurance agent on your vehicle accident coverage. A California appellate court has ruled that when an employer requires an employee to use her personal vehicle to visit clients or conduct other company business, the employer may be liable for injuries if she causes an accident.

Assigning temporary additional duties? Beware salary creep that could violate EPA

10/29/2013
As employers continue to try doing more with less, employees sometimes find themselves handling additional duties and responsibilities. That can cause real problems if it results in female employees doing extra work, and they wind up being paid less than male co-workers.

Not a question to sneeze at: Is influenza covered by the FMLA?

10/29/2013
Back when Congress was debating the initial passage of the FMLA, there was considerable discussion about what kinds of illnesses would entitle an employee to FMLA protection. If in doubt, ask for a medical certification. Decide whether to approve or deny FMLA leave based on what the certification says.

Riverside detailer missed a spot in its pay records

10/29/2013
Interior Magic of California, a car detailing service in Riverside County, will have to pay $292,000 in back wages and liquidated damages to 205 current and former employees, plus $34,408 in civil penalties to polish its image following a U.S. Department of Labor investigation.

Southland temp agency sued for men-only policy

10/29/2013
When female workers sought temporary jobs at a warehouse, they were told that the temp agency, Los Angeles-based Industrial Labor Man­­age­­ment Group (ILM), was only hiring men for the positions. The women complained to the EEOC, which is now suing the firm for sex discrimination.