'1st Wednesday' - Labor Law Workshop for Employers: NEW LABOR LAWS FOR 2018

Several important new laws took effect on January 1, 2018, which California employers must understand and factor into their human resources administration. Several of these laws limit the ability of employers to regulate their workforce, and for that reason require modifications and additions to applicable employee handbooks and personnel forms. For example, new restrictions have been imposed on the ability of employers to ask job applicants about criminal convictions, as well as previous wages/earning history. In addition, employers of 20 or more employees are now required to provide 12 weeks of “parental leave” after the birth, adoption or foster care placement of a child; and to pay employees’ medical insurance premiums during the leave. These are only a few examples of several new laws that significantly impact the operations of California employers. This ongoing workshop series is being conducted by veteran Petaluma labor & employment attorney, Jay Putnam. Putnam, has advised employers exclusively, in labor matters for over 36 years. He hopes to provide local business owners and managers with a solid, working understanding of California labor law, as a means of helping them avoid the often crippling cost and disruption caused by lawsuits resulting from a misunderstanding of applicable legal requirements. Members are encouraged to bring their questions. Putnam says he intends to conduct informal, monthly workshops, where people can bring their questions and leave each month with important information that will immediately improve their business operations.