Update as of July 21, 2017: Under the leadership of new Secretary of Labor Alex Acosta, the Department of Labor signaled last month that it will drop its defense of the new overtime rule.
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With a new year comes new compliance obligations for employers. Here are some of the most important State, local, and federal updates for employers to be aware of in 2017.
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released a final rule establishing 56 hours (or 7 days) of paid sick leave annually for certain federal contractors. The final rule implements an Executive Order originally signed by President Barack Obama in September 2015, providing covered employees with time off to care for themselves or a family member, or absences as they relate to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
The California Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) recently announced that there will be an increase to the current temporary total disability (TTD) minimum and maximum rates, effective January 1, 2017. The minimum and maximum TTD rates will increase to $175.88 and $1172.57 respectively - an increase of just about 3.9% over the current rates.
Governor Brown recently signed legislation that will increase California’s State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) benefits by the year 2018.
Required Updates to Company Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation Prevention Policies
Effective April 1, 2016, California employers will be required to meet revised Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) regulations on harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.
The start of the new year ushers in several pertinent changes to labor and employment law. Employers should evaluate workplace policies and practices now to ensure compliance with these updates in 2016.
In an effort to further close the gender wage gap, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law the Fair Pay Act on October 6, 2015. The Act enhances existing law by putting more stringent requirements on employer pay decisions. As of January 1, 2016, the Act will apply to all private and public businesses in the state of California.