As we usher in 2025, California employers face a range of new legal requirements aimed at enhancing protections against workplace discrimination and improving employee rights. From expanding anti-discrimination protections to refining leave policies, the following legislative updates demand attention. Here’s what employers need to know about Assembly Bills (“AB”) 672, 1815, and 2499, as well
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The Risks of Rewards: Are Your Year-End Bonuses Discriminatory?
Bonuses are a common form of employee compensation that can incentivize and reward performance to retain high quality employees. On the flip side, employers must navigate legal risks and challenges to ensure compliance with federal and state laws.
As with any matter that concerns payment of wages, bonuses implicate a plethora of legal subjects.…
Tips from the Table: Last, Best, and Final Offers
We are excited to continue our video series – Tips from the Table. In these videos, members of LCW’s Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining practice group will provide various tips that can be implemented at your bargaining tables. We hope that you will find these clips informative and helpful in your negotiations.
Federal Judge Blocks DOL’s New FLSA Exempt Salary Rules
On November 15, 2024, a federal judge in the Eastern District of Texas blocked the Department of Labor’s (“DOL”) newly issued salary rules for exempt status under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”).
The new rules, which took effect July 1, 2024, increased the minimum salary threshold required in order to qualify for overtime-exempt status,…
A City Manager Rightfully Rejected an Arbitrator’s Advisory Findings and Recommendations and Upheld a Police Officer’s Termination by Evaluating the Totality of the Employee’s Conduct
In Ramirez v. City of Indio, the Court of Appeal held that a city manager had the authority to affirm, revoke, or modify the arbitrator’s advisory findings and recommendations under the Memorandum of Understanding’s appeals procedure. This case confirms that, absent sufficient contractual language to the contrary, when an MOU provides for advisory arbitration, the…
Navigating the Challenges of AI in College: A Student-Centered Perspective
As the landscape of education evolves, colleges are increasingly looking to artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance learning and streamline operations. While the potential benefits of AI are significant, administrators must navigate a range of legal and ethical challenges to ensure that these technologies serve all students effectively and equitably.
Equity and Access: The Digital Divide…
Dos and Don’ts of Using AI in Community College Search Committees
As community colleges increasingly embrace technology, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool for academic search committees. However, as we integrate it, we must carefully assess District use to ensure fairness, privacy considerations, transparency, and legal compliance, among other issues. Below are tips for administrators on the “dos” and “don’ts” of using AI…
Essential Best Practices for Contracting with AI Service Providers
Engaging with an Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) service provider entails navigating a complex legal landscape. To develop a successful partnership, your organization must carefully address key legal considerations before signing a contract. This article outlines essential best practices for contracting with AI service providers.
AI companies and their services are relatively new in…
Public Safety Video Briefing: Using AI in Public Safety – October 2024
Our short Public Safety Video Briefings will tackle cutting-edge issues and core principles relevant to public safety employers. We hope you find these videos useful and thought-provoking.
The Challenge Ahead: Addressing the Risks of Using Virtual Tools in Employment Decision Making
OpenAI’s launch of ChatGPT nearly two years ago kicked off the rapid integration of artificial intelligence into society’s daily activities. Today, established tech giants and upcoming startups alike are seemingly adding some level of AI to every product. This developing landscape provides employers with possibilities of both increased efficiency and increased liability.
While the technology…