PAGA: Funny Name, Dire Results
If you do business in the San Fernando Valley area, you don’t have to look far to see some of the horror stories created by PAGA. PAGA is the California law that stands for the Private Attorney General Act. It allows private citizens to sue companies for labor code violations – the kinds of suits […]
UFW Union Failed its Own Workers
In the latest crisis facing the United Farm Workers of America (UFW), Monterey Superior Court Judge Thomas Wills recently ruled that the union failed to pay its workers for their hours worked, which included overtime and meal breaks. Judge Wills ordered the UFW to pay $1.2 million to their employees. The verdict comes at a […]
The New Assault on Part-Time Jobs
A new proposal in Sacramento could beat up companies that depend on part-time workers. Called AB 5, the proposed bill is a roundhouse punch to all but very small companies because it pushes employers to transform part-time workers into full-time employees. It would make employers offer more hours to their part-time workers before hiring anyone […]
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 […]
A Modest Proposal for California from a Public Servant
“When I see someone attacking the benefits the Fire Department receives or the Police Department receives, my concern is: Why wouldn’t you expect the same for yourself? We should act as a beacon.” —Mike Mohun, president of the San Ramon Firefighters Union, quoted in the New York Times, March 2, 2017 There are many compelling reasons […]
Is The “I” Word To Be Taken Seriously?
Some decry the fact that presidential campaigns take too long. The most recent one with all its ugliness could not have ended soon enough. Maybe four year stints for those elected are also too long. We might need a probationary period to see how things work out. The Constitution’s authors—all very wise men—did not foresee […]
So Many New Laws with More to Come
As the new year begins, 900 statutes were added to California law books. If history is our guide—807 new laws last year, 950 the year before that–there will be hundreds of more laws added at the end of this year. Certainly, citizens can’t keep up with all these new laws, not to mention that lawmakers […]
Legislative advocacy, member activism priorities for NFIB/Small Business in new year
As we wrap up 2016, NFIB California reflects on what has been an overall successful year for our members and the organization, but not without important legislative and electoral challenges along the way. 2017 will bring new challenges at the State Capitol which we intend to face head-on with our 22,000 members to defend our small business policy priorities […]
Another Minimum Wage Hike Takes Effect in January
Earlier this year, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law Senate Bill 3 by State Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco). The bill is now Chapter 4 and it amends Sections 245.5, 246 and 1182.12 of the Labor Code. As a result of the enactment of this bill, California’s minimum wage is going up on January 1, 2017 […]
Final Legislative Tally for Small Business: Challenges Ahead in 2017
As the leading voice of small business in California, NFIB has been front and center this legislative session advocating for and against bills which would have significant impacts on our struggling small businesses across the state. In my three decades working in politics, I don’t think I’ve seen a legislative session pass such a high […]