Welcome to ECG's monthly newsletter, providing insights and advice about all things HR!
July 2016
IMPORTANT! NEW LOS ANGELES SICK LEAVE ORDINANCE EFFECTIVE 07/01/2016
On June 2, 2016, the City of Los Angeles approved a new sick leave ordinance, to become effective July 1, 2016. This new ordinance requires employers to provide 48 hours paid sick leave to employees each year. This is double the State requirement of 24 hours/3 days of sick time. In addition, also effective July 1, 2016, the minimum wage will increase to $10.50 per hour for employers with 26 or more employees (with the minimum wage increase effective July 1, 2017 for employers with 25 or fewer employees).
Under the new ordinance, current employees must start accruing paid sick days at the new rate (6 days/48 hours) beginning July 1st 2016 (or their first date of employment, whichever is later), at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked (if using the accrual method), or providing 48 hours at the beginning of each year of employment, calendar year, or 12-month period. Employees will be entitled to take up to 48 hours of paid sick leave in each year of employment, calendar year or 12-month period. Unused paid sick time must be carried over into the following year, with an employer having the option to cap the total accrued paid sick time to 72 hours.
Employees may use paid sick leave beginning on the 90th day of employment or on July 1, 2016, whichever is later. If an employer has a paid leave or paid time off policy that is equal to or no less than 48 hours, no additional time is required. The ordinance also states that retaliation by employers against workers who request or use paid sick leave days is prohibited. Following is the excerpt of the ordinance, which is attached for your review. We recommend discussing this new ordinance with your legal counsel to update your current policy. If you have any questions please let us know.
Client highlight
It is hard to believe, but we have had the honor and pleasure of working with the management team of The Ambrose Hotel for close to 10 years now. This beautiful property has approximately 35 employees or so, and too small to have an on-site HR representative. We are therefore, in essence their HR Consultants, working closely with the General Manager Mr. Warren Nocon, on all matters HR; be it employee relations, training & development, employment, etc. We provide guidance and consultation when needed and have a strong presence in the hotel when we are needed. We have come to know all of the employees, and are the employees’ voices when needed. We are thrilled and grateful of our continued partnership with The Ambrose.
About the Ambrose
The Ambrose Hotel proves that luxury lifestyle can be completely sustainable. The intimate character, boutique style and award-winning, eco-friendly innovations of this uniquely crafted Santa Monica hotel sets The Ambrose as the perfect option to cookie-cutter chain hotels. Check in, unwind and relax! Their accommodations strike the perfect balance between elegance and function – blending California Craftsman influenced decor with every comfort. You can enjoy their public areas which encourage moments of quiet leisure and relaxation. The Study is perfect for small meetings or social events, and can accommodate up to 15 guests.
The Ambrose’s personalized service truly places them in a class by itself. Their friendly staff will anticipate your needs without intruding your privacy - ensuring that every moment of your stay is quiet, relaxing and enjoyable. Whether you are visiting Los Angeles for business or leisure, make The Ambrose your retreat!
The Ambrose is just one block from the Wilshire business district and a five-minute drive to the Pacific Ocean and Third Street Promenade.
Know the law: Organ and bone marrow donor's leave. If you have 15 or more employees, this law applies to you! California law mandates that employers must grant paid leave of absence to an employee who is an organ donor in any one-year period. The time off cannot exceed 30 business days for an organ donor and 5 business days for a bone marrow donor. Learn more.
Which laws apply to you. Depending upon the size of your employee population, certain laws may apply to you! It is important that you know which laws those are, so you can comply. Staying compliant with state and federal employment laws can help keep your business out of trouble. Learn more.
Keep employees safe from the Summer heat. California’s heat illness standards require employers to take precise steps to protect outdoor workers from heat illness. As summertime rolls in and temperatures increase, California’s outdoor employees place themselves at a greater risk for heat illnesses. Read more.
Requirements for Worker's Compensation Insurance. All employers must have workers compensation insurance - it's the law. This mandatory insurance is used to cover medical costs and part of lost wages for employees who become injured and ill while at work. While several federal and state laws depend on the number of employees in the company, workers compensation is required. Learn more.
Thank you very much for reading our newsletter; we'd love to hear from you if you have any questions or comments! And please forward this newsletter to any managers or business owners you feel could benefit from our services. We receive over 95% of our clients through referral, and we appreciate and respect the trust you place in us by referring us to others.
With Kind Regards, EXECUTIVE HR CONSULTING GROUP
Chantal Mariotti
Principal
