2016 has brought dramatic changes in employment law, and saddled the additional responsibility of several significant new HR laws to San Diego employers. How is a San Diego employer to keep abreast of the rapidly changing landscape of federal, state and local laws while avoiding disputes with employees, lawsuits and heavy financial penalties? The lawyers for employers at the Watkins Firm are working with our clients to advise them on changes required to meet new employment laws and HR regulations. New employer guidelines require changes to almost every aspect of the employment process, from the employment contract itself, through policies and procedures, employee handbooks and internal processes and system controls. 2016 is a year we will look back on as a watershed year for employment law.
The primary challenges brought about by new HR laws to San Diego employers includes:
- Misclassification audits and heavy civil penalties for misclassifying independent contractors
- Unpaid overtime investigations, disputes and litigation
- FMLA abuse, and related lawsuits
- California’s New Fair Pay Act and resulting changes in geographical and shift pay differentials
- Increase in ADA Title I and Title III Lawsuits
- EEOC rulings on the hiring and management of gay and transgender employees
- California changes to meal and rest breaks, non-productive time and piece-rate compensation
- San Diego’s unique minimum wage requirements
Recent developments at the United States Supreme Court, as well as California Courts have brought additional challenges for San Diego employers. The burdens can seem overwhelming, but the failure to comply is financially overwhelming to many businesses. Our attorneys work with you to ensure compliance in each area of law that applies to your unique company and business. We help you to reinforce policies, procedures and documents to comply with new HR laws while tightening the loopholes that workers use to create disputes and contingent liabilities.
There has never been a time in our memory where so many additional burdens have been simultaneously imposed due to new HR laws to San Diego employers. Protect yourself and your company. We invite you to contact us for a free and substantive consultation at 858-535-1511.
