As of January 1, 2021, various reforms came into effect; however, one of the areas with the most modifications has been labor law. That is why at Conexión Legal we want to list some of the most important changes so that you stay updated on Labor Laws in 2021.
- Covid-19 Protection in the workplace in California:
Employees must be notified of possible risk of contagion or prevention of waves at least one day in advance. The notice must be written in English or in another language if necessary.
- Minimum wage:
The salary increased by one dollar compared to last year. Now, your employer must pay $14.00 per hour. Companies with fewer than 26 employees will be required to pay $13.00 per hour and in some counties such as Sonoma and Palo Alto, they will receive $15.00 per hour during working hours.
Companies cannot avoid paying back wages simply by adopting a new name under a law that says they are responsible if they have the same owners, facilities or workforce.
Employees have one year, instead of six months, to file complaints for discrimination or retaliation with the California Labor Commissioner.
Meanwhile, in New York the minimum wage per hour will increase to $12.50 per hour from $11.80 per hour in all places outside New York City, Long Island and Westchester County.
Adding to this, it is important to mention that if you identify any violation of your current rights, you can contact Conexión Legal to receive the best free consultation as well as subsequent assistance from a professional and specialized labor attorney.
- Expansion of family leave benefits:
Unlike the old laws, approximately 40 percent of California residents lost their jobs as a result of a paid family leave request. This new law will benefit almost 6 million citizens, even if they belong to small businesses.
In New York, eligible employees will have access to up to 12 weeks of paid time off to bond with a new child, care for a family member with a serious illness, or to help loved ones when a family member is abroad in active military service.
- Use of sick days:
Furthermore, there will now be greater discretion for workers when using accumulated paid sick days to care for an ill family member, such as grandparents, siblings, and partners.
Leaves under the California Family Rights Act are expanded to include all companies with five or more employees, instead of the previous limit of 50 or more employees.
Employers cannot discriminate or retaliate against workers who take time off to receive medical care, court proceedings, or for other reasons if they are victims of a crime that includes sexual assault, domestic violence or harassment.
- More and better inclusion:
Companies based in California must have at least one board director by the end of 2021 who is a racial or sexual minority. By 2022, that will increase to two directors for smaller boards and three for boards with nine or more directors.
Companies with 100 employees or more must provide state information about the race, ethnicity and gender of employees in various job categories, information that could help the state identify wage disparities.
Thus, if you believe that your employer is violating any of your labor rights under what the new labor reforms indicate, you should contact Conexión Legal as soon as possible by calling 1800 201 1220 or writing to us via WhatsApp so that we can provide you with the best free consultation possible and, if applicable, achieve with the help of a labor attorney the highest compensation that corresponds to you.
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