Insight & Commentary on California Workplace Law Issues & Developments
As we wind down 2025, here are some of the changes California employers need to be aware of to be prepared in 2026.
State Law
California SB 596: Increases Penalties for Healthcare Staffing Ratio Violations
Senate Bill 20: California Expands Worker Protections Against Silica Dust Exposure
Senate Bill 464: California Mandates Tougher Pay Data Reporting…
Los Angeles County has enacted a new ordinance that permanently extends and updates worker recall and retention rights for certain employees, building on protections first introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ordinance, effective November 6, 2025, amends the Los Angeles County Code to provide ongoing job security measures for workers in specific industries.
Provisions of…
Los Angeles hospitality employers should be aware of an update regarding the Hotel Worker Training Ordinance.
The City has released its list of Certified Public Housekeeping Training Organizations (PHTOs), and beginning December 1, 2025, covered hotels must provide paid public housekeeping training through one of these approved providers. Hotels should begin preparing now to ensure…
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has passed a new Hotel Worker Protection Ordinance for unincorporated areas of the county. Similar to the City of Los Angeles and West Hollywood ordinances, the ordinance sets forth additional obligations for hotel employers to enhance the safety of employees.
The ordinance becomes operative on…
The City of San Diego’s hospitality industry is ushering in substantial changes in wage requirements. The City Council has passed an ordinance establishing a new minimum wage schedule for employees at hotels, amusement parks, and event centers. If you are an employer in these sectors, it’s crucial to understand the timeline and requirements to ensure…
On August 21, 2025, the Mayor of Long Beach approved an ordinance requiring staffing for self-checkout at drug retail establishments and grocery stores. The ordinance will go into effect on September 21, 2025, the 31st day after the Mayor’s approval.
As previously reported, the ordinance covers drug retail establishments and food retail establishments…
The City of Long Beach introduced a new ordinance aimed at curbing retail theft and improving safety in grocery and drug stores that use self-service checkout stations.
The ordinance applies to “drug retail establishments” and “food retail establishments.”
“Drug retail establishments” are defined as a retail store that sells a variety of prescription and non-prescription…
On May 27, the City of Los Angeles passed amendments to the Living Wage Ordinance (LWO) and the Hotel Worker Minimum Wage Ordinance (HWMO). The development of these amendments began in December 2024, and since then have been the subject of debate and public comment.
Here is what hotel and airport employers need to…
Recently, the Los Angeles City Council approved a motion to amend the Living Wage Ordinance (LWO) and the Hotel Worker Minimum Wage Ordinance (HWMO), which will impact airport and hospitality workers, respectively. On December 11, 2024, the City Council approved a draft ordinance and directed the City Attorney to prepare a formal draft ordinance…
The hospitality industry is important to California’s economy and provides significant employment across the state. Due to the large workforce within the hospitality sector, many cities across the state have implemented employment regulations for the industry. Here are some of the ordinances employers need to know.
Hotel Minimum Wage Ordinances
Several cities have separate minimum…
