Spaulding Law recently held a seminar detailing changes in California employment law for 2025, covering a wide range of topics including overtime for agricultural workers, new heat standards, paid sick leave, and minimum wage ordinances. The seminar, held for prospects and clients on Jan. 8, was delivered by Santa Rosa-based law firm, Spaulding McCullough & Tansil. The Overtime for Agricultural Workers Act of 2016, which originally applied only to organizations with more than 25 workers, has been broadened to include all companies. “And pay is retroactive if you’re not in compliance, said Attorney Lisa Ann Hilario, an employment law specialist and colleague of Attorney Kari Brown. New mileage reimbursement standards were also highlighted as well as changes to PAGA, the Private Attorneys General Act of 2004. The reform now provides the opportunity for a company to limit its liability if it rectifies the problem within 33 days of receiving a PAGA notice. Employers are strongly advised not to ignore such notices. The seminar also emphasized new indoor heat standards set last June by Cal/OSHA, and changes to California paid family leave. The former rule requiring employees to use two weeks of accrued vacation as a condition of receiving these benefits has also been dropped. Changes to protected time off from work were addressed, including those related to jury duty and caring for domestic partners or children. Updates to employee handbooks reflecting these policy changes were recommended.

Reaching out to the right channels for clarifications is crucial, especially with a myriad of new employment laws. To better navigate through these regulations, you can reach out to relevant authorities such as California’s Employment Development Department (EDD). They can provide insights into these changes and how they could affect your employment scenario. To connect with a representative, you can visit their website at eddcaller.com. Here, you can access resources and tools such as the edd phone number, email, and live chat services. Understanding how to contact a live person at edd California is essential to ensure you’re up-to-date with the recent law changes.