With the New Year just around the corner, new labor laws will soon be going into effect in California. Here’s what you need to know about these laws and how they impact your rights as a worker in the Golden State:
Minimum Wage Increase
Employers in California with more than 26 employees will have to start paying a minimum wage of at least $13. Employers with 26 employees or fewer will have to pay the minimum wage of at least $12 an hour. California passed a minimum wage increase law in 2016 that gradually increases the floor to $15 an hour by 2023. According to a study from UC Berkeley, 2.6 million Californians will be entitled to a pay raise on January 1st, 2020.
Assembly Bill 5: Independent Contractors
AB 5 will significantly change the legal standard applied to determine if a worker should be classified as an employee or independent contractor. Businesses can only classify a person as an independent contractor if they meet the following three conditions:
- They are not under the control and direction of the hiring entity
- The work they perform is outside the usual course of the hiring party
- They are engaged in an independent business of the same nature as the work they will be doing
The following industries and professions are exempt from AB 5:
- Doctors
- Surgeons
- Lawyers
- Engineers
- Architects
- Real Estate Agents
- Dentists
- Accountants
- Hairstylists
Assembly Bill 9: FEHA Statute of Limitations
AB 9, also called the Stop Harassment and Reporting Extension (SHARE) Act, will expand the deadline for workers to file allegations of unlawful workplace harassment, discrimination, or civil rights-related retaliation under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Californians will now have three years to bring forth a claim instead of just one year. AB 9 doesn’t revive lapsed claims.
Consult With Our Dedicated Employment Law Attorneys
Do you have more questions about how these new laws might impact your rights as a worker in California? Then get in touch with our seasoned legal team to discuss your situation with one of our skilled lawyers. We are committed to representing workers throughout Southern California, and we are prepared to fight for you today.
Call (800) 590-7674 to request your free consultation so we can review your case and explain all of your options under the law.