Are there 2015 poster and pamphlet updates I should know about?
Yes.
The paid sick leave law signed by the Governor on September 10, 2014, contains a new mandatory posting requirement, effective January 1, 2015. The notice required by the new law (the Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014) was released by the California Labor Commissioner and is included in the California Chamber of Commerce all-in-one 2015 California and Federal Employment Notices poster.
While July 1, 2015 is the effective date for employers to begin providing the paid sick leave benefit, the posting requirement is effective January 1, 2015.
Effective January 1, 2015, there are mandatory changes to the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) Discrimination and Harassment notice (California Law Prohibits Workplace Discrimination and Harassment). These updates reflect new legislation (AB 1443) that expands anti-harassment protections to unpaid interns and volunteers.
Effective February 2014, the Cal/OSHA notice (Safety and Health Protection on the Job) was updated to reflect revised federal Hazard Communications Program regulations issued by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Pending
There are pending mandatory updates to the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) notice, defining the term “spouse” under the act.
Also, there are pending regulations that may result in changes in 2015 to the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) notice (Notice B), as well as to the Workers’ Compensation notice (Notice to Employees-Injuries Caused by Work).
Pamphlet Updates
There are updates to the Sexual Harassment pamphlet that reflect recent changes in legal protections against harassment. Every California employee and independent contractor must receive a sexual harassment information sheet from his/her employer.
There also were mandatory changes, effective July 1, 2014, to two pamphlets: Paid Family Leave, which must be given to new employees and employees requesting time off for a covered reason, and Workers’ Compensation Rights & Benefits, which must be given to all new employees when they are hired.
Note: Regulatory changes continue as a result of workers’ compensation reform measures.
The Labor Law Helpline is a service to California Chamber of Commerce preferred and executive members. For expert explanations of labor laws and Cal/OSHA regulations, not legal counsel for specific situations, call (800) 348-2262 or submit your question at www.hrcalifornia.com.
