LEGAL
New California Workplace Laws Impact Both Workers and Employers
By Tyler Shultz | January 20, 2022
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed hundreds of new bills into law in 2021, with a number of workplace and labor laws that began on Jan. 1, bringing changes to employment practices and workplace safety.
Lawsuit Against S.F. Fur Ban Goes Another Round
A challenge to a fur ban in the city and county of San Francisco petitioned for a new day in court.
Court Dismisses Challenge to S.F Fur Ban
A federal judge has thrown out a challenge to the City of San Francisco’s fur ban. The ban was unanimously approved by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 2018 and went into effect Jan. 1. The fur-ban movement has grown, and in December 2019 California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law banning the sale of fur products in the State of California.
Oaklandish Brand Joins Class Action Suit Against Insurer for Denying COVID-19 Claim
Known for its T-shirts and apparel, the Oaklandish brand made a business out of producing clothing bearing slogans of civic pride for the San Francisco Bay Area city Oakland, Calif., however, Angela Tsay, the brand’s chief executive officer and creative director, said that the 20-year-old company’s ability to cheer for its hometown may be hobbled by its insurance company.
State Senate Bill Seeks To End Garment-Industry Standard of Piece-Rate Pay
On June 25, SB 1399: Garment Worker Protection Act passed the California Senate in a 25 -11 vote.
H&M Must Rehire Worker Who Pressed for Store Improvements
A judge for the National Labor Relations Board ruled June 22 that retailer Hennes & Mauritz had violated labor laws when it fired a worker, Nick Gallant, from an H&M store in the San Francisco Bay Area town of Emeryville, Calif.
Mossimo Giannulli Pleads Guilty in College Bribery Scam
Designer Mossimo Giannulli and his actor wife, Lori Loughlin, best known for playing Aunt Becky on the sitcom “Full House,” which ran from 1987 to 1992, agreed to plead guilty for their involvement in the Operation Varsity Blues college-admissions bribery scandal that dominated national news in 2019.
State Senate Committee Approves New Garment-Worker Wage-Theft Bill
Labor leaders received a boost on May 14 when SB 1399, the Garment Worker Protection Act, was approved by four out of five members of the California State Senate’s Committee on Labor, Public Employment and Retirement. Now, SB 1399 moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee, no hearing on the bill has been scheduled.
S.F. Retailer Sues Insurer For Denying COVID-19 Claim
San Francisco children's boutique Mudpie recently filed a class-action lawsuit on behalf of California’s retail stores, alleging that small businesses have been wrongfully denied insurance coverage for losses resulting from following rules and closing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
IFF Sues S.F. Over Fur Ban
Following the Jan. 1 implementation of San Francisco’s fur ban, the International Fur Federation announced its filing of a lawsuit against the city in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Citing what it calls the “unconstitutional restriction on interstate and foreign commerce,” the IFF maintains that banning the sale of fur could lead to legislation regulating other animal products.
New California Laws in 2020: From Employment-Status Changes to Family Leave
A new year means new California workplace laws in which employers must become well versed. For 2020, Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed into law a number of bills that protect workers’ rights and, also, redefine the role of employees.
Fashion Nova Explains DOL Investigation
Fashion Nova Inc., a prominent Los Angeles–headquartered digital retailer of stylish yet affordable clothing, has been the subject of a wage-theft investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor, according to a widely read New York Times article published this week.
Copyright and Labor Fashion Cases Reach Supreme Court
Issues in copyright and labor kept lawyers busy in 2019; however, the Los Angeles case that made the most headlines was a streetwear brand that brought its case to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Designer Mossimo Giannulli Charged in ‘Operation Varsity Blues’ Scandal
One of the most notorious criminal cases of 2019 was the “Operation Varsity Blues” college-admissions scandal in which a number of wealthy parents were accused of crimes ranging from bribery to money laundering in a scheme to guarantee their children’s admission into renowned universities.
PacSun Pays $85,000 Settlement in Discrimination Suit
Anaheim, Calif.–headquartered Pacific Sunwear of California, LLC, will pay $85,000 to settle a discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, it was announced on Sept. 20.
Copyright Case Decision May Change Legal Game
Copyright-infringement lawsuits have been big business in Los Angeles, which is the center of many creative industries including fashion, film and music. But a recent case tackling this topic in Southern California is making waves and might force prospective plaintiffs to be more diligent when filing for copyright protection.
