California Issues Model Notice Under New Workplace Know Your Rights Act
California employers should be aware of a new notice obligation under the Workplace Know Your Rights Act (the “Act”), which became effective January 1, 2026. The California Labor Commissioner has now released an official model notice, and employers must begin providing it to employees by February 1, 2026.
How the Federal Government Shutdown Is Impacting California Employers
Everything California employers need to know about the federal government shutdown, from the impacts on contracts, compliance backlogs, immigration filings, and practical next steps.
Domestic Worker Rules Just Got Stricter: What SB 1350 Means for Your Home
Starting July 1, 2025, California’s SB 1350 brings household domestic workers—such as cleaners, cooks, childcare providers, gardeners, and handymen—under the protection of Cal/OSHA’s workplace safety rules. While casual or infrequent help (under five hours per week...
California Minimum Wage Increases Effective July 1, 2025: What Employers Need to Know
Starting July 1, 2025, minimum wage rates are increasing in several California cities and counties. Employers operating in these areas must be prepared to comply with the new local wage laws to avoid penalties and ensure fair compensation for their employees. West...
California Court Confirms Prospective Meal Break Waivers Are Enforceable—What Employers Should Know After Bradsbery v. Vicar Operating, Inc.
In a noteworthy win for California employers, the Court of Appeal has confirmed that prospective meal period waivers are enforceable under state law—as long as specific legal safeguards are in place. The decision, handed down on April 21, 2025, in Bradsbery v. Vicar...
2025 Employment Law Update
A concise guide to the latest legislative changes, case law developments, and compliance essentials shaping workplaces in California from Withrow Employment Law, P.C. In this overview, we highlight the most significant updates—spanning wage-and-hour laws, leaves,...
Employer Obligations for Upcoming National Election
There is often a lot of confusion regarding an employer’s obligation to provide employees with paid time off to vote. Employers are NOT required to give employees time off work to vote, unless the employee’s work schedule leaves them with insufficient time outside of...
Laura Withrow Discusses Mentorship, Resilience, and Business Growth on Small BizCast
In the latest episode of Small BizCast, hosted by Joel Volk of Hot Dog Business Growth, Laura Withrow, the founder of Withrow Employment Law, P.C., shares her journey of resilience and strategic innovation in building her own firm. The episode, titled "Mentorship and...
New Year Equals New Forms
Wage Theft Prevention Notice – effective Jan 1, 2024 Since 2012, employers have been required to provide new non-exempt employees with a Notice setting out information regarding the employer, wage information, workers’ compensation insurance, etc. The DLSE has revised...
Employment Law Update 2024
2024 promises to be a year of significant legal changes that will impact businesses of all sizes. Understanding these changes is essential to ensure compliance and minimize risk. October 14 is the last day for Governor Newsom to sign or veto bills that were passed by...