Helpline
‘Misconduct’ Not Automatic Cause for Denying Unemployment Benefits
We terminated an employee, and she has filed a claim for unemployment benefits. We want to fight her claim because she was fired for...
Daily Overtime Premium Pay Depends on Workday Definition
Last week my company (which operates 24 hours a day) had several employees call out sick at the last minute. As a result, we...
What to Do When Pre-Job Test Shows Rehab Prescription Drug Use
We made a conditional offer of employment to an applicant subject to a pre-employment drug test. His test came back positive for Suboxone. He...
Victims’ Leave Law Creates New Obligations, Expands Others
I am updating our employee handbook and I am confused about the changes to California’s victims’ leave law — what’s new for 2025?
Although victim’s...
Proposed Changes to Confined Spaces Rule Include ‘Rescue Services’
What is the status of changes to the Cal/OSHA regulation for construction in confined spaces?
A hearing has been held on proposed revisions, but the...
Factors to Consider When Employee Asks to Extend Family Leave
We have more than one employee who have requested extensions of their family leave (for various reasons). Do we have to grant these extensions,...
How to Deal with Predictive Scheduling and Scheduling Changes
We want to change our non-exempt employee’s schedule for next week. How far in advance do we need to notify the employee of schedule...
Law Now Requires Written Contract for Independent Contractors
Do I need a written contract if I have an independent contractor working for me?
In California, the relationship between businesses and independent contractors is...
Paycheck Direct Deposit: Offer, But Don’t Mandate
In 2025, we would like to pay all our employees by direct deposit. We have a couple of employees who do not have direct...
‘Paid Family Leave’ — Who Can Request It; How It Works
I own a small business, and I have an employee who has been with my company for a few months. He came to me...
