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Ellen Savage joined the CalChamber in 1990 and served as an employment law expert until retiring on May 9, 2024. She had been assisting employers on the Helpline since 1993. She was the editor of eight editions of the California Labor Law Digest and author of the CalChamber’s California Hiring to Termination Guide. Her experience also includes practicing at a large Sacramento law firm and presenting at dozens of employment law seminars statewide. She holds a J.D. from Lincoln Law School.

Doctor’s Note Not Always Automatic Excuse for Absences

My employee has used up all her protected sick leave, but still calls out sick regularly and always returns with a doctor’s note. Can...

Use Caution When Granting Family Leave Before Employee Is Eligible

My employee wants to take 12 weeks off for child bonding, but he has worked for us for only 11 months so he’s not...

Tips for Navigating the Newly Released Form I-9

I know there’s a new Form I-9 to verify eligibility to work in the United States. When do I need to start using it...

Bereavement Leave for Complex Family Relationships

My employee wants to use California’s new bereavement leave after the death of the father of her child — with whom she lived but...

‘Clopening’ Schedules Generally OK for California Workers

Is there a minimum amount of time required between an employee’s shifts? Can an employee be required to work a late shift one night...

Meal Breaks Generally Depend on Actual Number of Hours Worked

Are meal break requirements determined by the total length of an employee’s shift, or by the number of hours the employee actually works? Meal break...

Final Paycheck: Employee Pickup or Mail? Answers to FAQs

If an employee quits without giving any notice, I believe I have a window of time to prepare a final paycheck. Does the employee...

Medical Documentation Requirements for Disability Leaves

If an employee requests a leave of absence as an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, can I require medical documentation from their...

Avoid Surprises by Checking in with Employee During Family Leave

Is there any requirement to notify an employee in writing when their federal and/or state family leave is ending? Employers are not required to provide...

Lower Base Period Wages Can Affect Expected Disability Benefits

A fairly new employee is out on a medical leave and receiving state disability insurance, but the weekly benefit she’s getting is far less...

Allowing Use of Sick Time for Vacation Could Prove Costly for Employer

My employee wants to take a few days off to take a trip with her family, but she is out of vacation time. Can...

Who Pays Cost of Employee COVID Testing or Vaccination?

If I require an employee to go get a COVID test, or to be vaccinated, who pays the costs of testing or vaccination? Do...

Don’t Deny Vacation Due to Recent Use of COVID Sick Leave

My employee used most of her COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave over the last couple of weeks. Now she wants to take a week’s...

Premium Pay Penalty Due When Employee Given Late Meal Break

Yesterday our store was very busy, so I could not let my employee leave for a meal break until very late in the day....

Employee Quitting Due to COVID May Still Collect Unemployment

I have several employees who have quit for COVID-19 related reasons, including lack of child care and fear of being in the workplace. Why...

Value of Holiday Gift Card May Be Factor in Calculating Pay Rate

I’d like to give my employees gift cards worth a few hundred dollars at the end of the year as a holiday gift. Is...

How Part-Time Return to Work Affects Employee’s UI Benefits

My employee has been on furlough and collecting unemployment insurance (UI). If I bring her back to work part time, what is the maximum...