Governor Brown announced that Julie Su has been appointed as head of the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. 

Here is the text of the announcement from the Governor’s website: “Julie Su, 41, of Cerritos, has been appointed Chief of the Division of Labor Standards and Enforcement. Su has worked at the Asian Pacific Legal Center in Los Angeles since 1994, where she currently serves as Director of Litigation. Su has devoted her career to serving the public interest as a civil rights attorney, specializing in representing low-wage workers. Su earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stanford University and a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard University. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $138,546. Su is a Democrat.” See link to announcement

 What does this mean for California employers and how will it affect, if at all, the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement’s administrative enforcement position on hot button wage and hour issues? At least one person Jackson Lewis spoken with at the DLSE speculated they would not be surprised if the DLSE’s meal-period enforcement position changed. It will be important to closely monitor the DLSE web site and any upcoming speeches Ms. Su may deliver for any developments. 

Jonathan Siegel