Employers Must Speak Out on PAGA
Recent job reports show California’s unemployment rate is holding at 4.4 percent, and while that may be a record low for the state, it continues to remain higher than both the national average and many of our neighbors to the east. Historically, California is known for its creative thinking and innovative spirit, but recently it seems as […]
Time to Hold Our Judges Accountable When it Comes To PAGA
Last week the California Supreme Court published an opinion in Alvarado v. Dart Container Corp. of California that should strike fear in the hearts of the state’s small businesses. It is a significant decision for employers operating in California that offer incentive pay for working longer/atypical hours (i.e., shift differentials) or non-discretionary bonuses, because the […]
There is Hope for PAGA Reform
The path to reform of PAGA has been tortuous and seemingly out of reach for employers in California. Bills have been introduced in the Legislature, only to languish for lack of votes to hear, let alone pass, the modest reform measures. Just weeks ago, 3 ballot initiatives that made major changes to PAGA were pulled […]
Labor Law Reform is Long Overdue
The California Business and Industrial Alliance (CABIA) was formed last year after the company I work for was assaulted with a wage and hour PAGA Lawsuit. This cost us over a million dollars and will take us years to recover. Late lunches and misclassified safety incentives were the violations we committed. Our flexible schedule and […]
Stop Adding Labor Laws
If you build a 1,000 square foot home, and add a room, and then another, and add a floor, and another floor, what will happen? The home will collapse because the foundation was not built for such a big house. This is what has happened to the 1,039 page Labor Law digest 2017 edition, and […]
A Small Business Struggle
Sometimes an example serves best when trying to explain the negative effects of overzealous regulation enforcement on California job creators. Consider the story of Joann Roth-Oseary and her pursuit of the American Dream to build a business. Thirty-seven years ago Joann Roth-Oseary made a decision to start up her own business and create a catering […]
The California Business and Industrial Alliance, a New Organization that Sets Sights on Fixing PAGA Law
The California Business and Industrial Alliance (CABIA) is a newly formed non-profit trade organization. CABIA exists to promote the interests of California-owned small- and mid- sized businesses and the people they employ. It accomplishes this through a mix of public education, legislative lobbying, and grassroots organizing. The Alliance is led by a team of experienced California business […]
Politicians Don’t Listen to Small Businesses
A group of small business manufacturers came together in Sunland recently to discuss the problems associated with doing business in California, but what was most discouraging was the sentiment expressed by the business owners who told me they would not come to the meeting. Among the comments: “We do not want another target on our […]
Website Launched to Gather Info on the Scourge of PAGA Lawsuits
On December 27th 2016 I received a phone call from our attorney that frankly has changed my life and my views on government and business forever. I was told we were being sued by a disgruntled employee who is also on a workers compensation claim for wage and hour violations. Our attorney said this lawsuit would […]
PAGA Lawsuits Crush Small Business
In 1971, the Day family opened their business, Timely Prefinished Steel Door Frames, in Pacoima, California. Since then, they have employed thousands and had generations of families and friends grow up with thecompany. Together, we have seen the good times, the difficult times, and the bad times. And like a family, we have always stuck […]