A Spin On Things: Pending Legislation Seeks To Render Restrictive Covenants Unenforceable If An Employer Takes Action Under Mandatory Vaccine Policies

Pending legislation on both the federal and state level attempts to restrict employers’ ability to enforce restrictive covenants if they choose to mandate vaccinations and make employment decisions based on those policies, regardless of whether that policy or decision is mandated by federal law.

The Employment Freedom for All Act (H.R. 5851), sponsored by nine House members and introduced on November 3, 2021, seeks to “void existing non-compete agreements for any employee who is fired […]

By | December 14th, 2021 ||

House Of Cards: What Employers Can Learn From Kevin Spacey’s Alleged Missteps

Kevin Spacey’s legal troubles have taken a costly turn as the production companies behind Netflix’s House of Cards recently asked a California court to confirm an arbitration award of almost $31 million against Spacey for breach of contract. In 2017, eight House of Cards crew members came forward to accuse Spacey of sexual harassment and sexual assault. The producers argued that reports of Spacey’s alleged misconduct forced them to halt production on House of Cards, costing millions.

This arbitration award […]

By | December 10th, 2021 ||

California Legislature Enacts New Employment Laws To Take Effect In 2022

The California Legislature increased the complexity of employment law in the Golden State by enacting several employment laws that will soon take effect.  Below we summarize key aspects of the more significant new legislation.
Intentional Failure to Pay Wages May Constitute the Felony of “Grand Theft” (Assembly Bill 1003)
Under current law, employers who wrongfully and intentionally withhold wages from employees may be convicted of a misdemeanor.  AB 1003 increases the potential punishment and makes it […]

By | December 8th, 2021 ||