In addition to reviewing the rights an employee may be waiving by signing a severance agreement, it is also important to scrutinize the statements of fact included in the contract. While it may be tempting treat recitals or other factual statements in a contract as merely providing context to int…
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Paleny v. Fireplace Products U.S.: Clarifying FEHA’s Approach to Pregnancy Protections
Erika Paleny v. Fireplace Products U.S., Inc. highlights how the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) defines and protects pregnancy-related medical conditions. The Court of Appeal ruled that elective egg retrieval procedures without an underlying medical condition do not qualify for FEHA protections, emphasizing the need for clear connections between medical conditions and the…
Untimely Tesla: How Missed Fee Payments Can Impact Arbitration Agreements
In the case of Dominique Keeton v. Tesla, Inc., the Court of Appeal ruled that Tesla’s failure to pay arbitration fees on time breached its arbitration agreement, allowing an employee to pursue her claims in court. The decision emphasizes the necessity for employers to comply with arbitration agreements and deadlines to avoid unwanted litigation.
Governor Newsom and Legislative Leaders Announce PAGA Reform Agreement
California’s labor landscape is set to change significantly with a new agreement to reform the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). The reforms include capping penalties for employers who promptly rectify issues, imposing higher penalties for malicious violations, increasing the portion of penalties allocated to employees from 25% to 35%, expanding the range of labor code…
It's in the Handbook: Employee Acknowledgements in Arbitration Agreements
In Ramirez v. Golden Queen Mining, the Court of Appeal examined the enforceability of arbitration agreements within employment contracts, emphasizing how crucial it is for employers to ensure that arbitration agreements are properly presented, explained, and signed to withstand legal scrutiny.
PAGA Update: What You Need to Know About Arbitrating Individual Claims
The Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) grants California employees the authority to pursue civil penalties for labor violations. The recent Ninth Circuit case, Johnson v. Lowe’s Home Centers, LLC (2024), underscores that employees may be compelled to arbitrate individual PAGA claims, while still maintaining the standing to pursue their non-individual claims in court.
How the FAA Preempts California Law in Arbitration: Insights from Hernandez v. Sohnen
The California Court of Appeal’s decision in Hernandez v. Sohnen Enterprises clarifies that the FAA preempts California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1281.97, which allows employees to withdraw from arbitration if the employer fails to pay fees on time, when the agreement explicitly states it is governed by the FAA.
Understanding Religious Discrimination Under Title VII and FEHA: Lessons from Ronald Hittle v. City of Stockton
The case of Ronald Hittle v. City of Stockton illustrates the importance of adhering to Title VII and FEHA guidelines to prevent religious discrimination in employment, highlighting the necessity for employers to provide legitimate, nondiscriminatory reasons for termination.
United States Supreme Court: Subtle Job Changes Can Be Discriminatory Under Title VII
With Muldrow v. City of St. Louis, the United States Supreme Court has determined that under Title VII, any job transfer that adversely affects an employee’s terms or conditions of employment due to their sex can be considered discrimination, regardless of whether it impacts salary, title, or benefits.
California Supreme Court Allows Good Faith Defense in Wage Statement Cases
The California Supreme Court ruled in Naranjo v. Spectrum Security Services, Inc. that meal break premiums are wages that must be reported on wage statements, but employers acting in good faith, despite being mistaken, are shielded from penalties for “knowing and intentional” violations under Section 226.