Starting this year, California workers earning less than $63,000 annually will be entitled to 90% of their wages during parental or family caregiving leave. Additionally, employers can no longer penalize workers for refusing to participate in discussions on sensitive topics like religion or politics.

According to the LA Times on the 17th, these provisions are part of new labor protection laws now in effect. These laws were passed by the California legislature last year, marking a significant expansion of existing worker protections, including family leave and anti-discrimination measures. The LA Times noted, “California, already known for having the strongest labor laws in the country, has further strengthened its labor policies.”

Key Provisions in the New Labor Laws:
1. Sick Leave for Farmworkers
Under Senate Bill 1105, farmworkers can now take sick leave if environmental conditions make it unsafe to work. Senator Steve Padilla, the bill's author, emphasized its importance in addressing climate-related risks in labor policies.

2. Digital Rights Protection
Under Bill 2602, unauthorized replication of entertainers' faces or voices using artificial intelligence (AI) is prohibited. Workers can negotiate through unions or attorneys for AI-generated image usage. Violations involving deceased actors’ voices without family consent, covered under AB1836, will result in fines of $10,000.

3. Freelancer Protections
Contracts for work exceeding $250 must now be documented in writing. Payments must follow the agreed schedule or, if unspecified, be made within 30 days of job completion. Violations allow freelancers to claim $1,000 for lack of a written contract and up to double the unpaid wages as damages.

4. Paid Family Leave Expansion
Senate Bill 951 increases wage replacement rates for workers taking paid family leave. Workers earning less than $63,000 annually will now receive 90% of their wages, up from 70%. Those earning above that threshold will continue to receive 70%.

5. Local Discrimination Investigations
Senate Bill 1340 empowers local governments to investigate workplace discrimination cases, previously handled exclusively by the state’s Department of Human Rights. This change is expected to expedite case resolutions. Cities like Los Angeles are already preparing for this expanded role.

6. Ban on Forced Religious or Political Meetings
Employers are now prohibited from penalizing workers who refuse to attend mandatory meetings discussing religion or politics. This legislation addresses so-called “captive audience meetings” often used to pressure workers. However, legal challenges from groups like the California Chamber of Commerce and the Restaurant Association may affect its implementation.



<Hongyong Park>