Webinar recap: 2021 Labor Law Update

The Chamber was pleased to welcome Michael A. Velthoen, Managing Partner of Ferguson Case Orr Paterson LLP, as the guest speaker for the 2021 Labor Law Update webinar held on December 9, 2020, to help Oxnard's business community prepare for the coming year. From rules about COVID reporting to key issues about remote workers, he discussed the new and amended laws taking effect January 1, 2021.

Velthoeon touched on four key areas impacting employers:

• COVID: leave obligations (Families First Coronavirus Response Act, California COVID Supplemental Paid Sick Leave, ), reporting obligations to employees (potential exposure, benefits, safety protocols), and reporting obligations to local public health agency;
• Remote employee dangers for employers: time keeping, reimbursement, workplace safety, meal and rest breaks, confidentiality, and precedent setting; 
• AB5: ABC/Dynamex test substantially limits which workers can be classified as independent contractors (vs. employees); new exemptions created by AB2257; 
• California Family Rights Act (CFRA): Beginning January 1, it will apply to all businesses with five or more employees;  expands coverage of family members 

He also brought attention to five things employers will want to review and/or ensure: 
1. Meal and rest break compliance;
2. Updating your employee handbook;
​3. California Harassment Prevention Training due by January 1, 2021
4. Minimum wage increase; and
5. Arbitration provisions. 

Watch the full webinar below.