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.
Los Angeles Apparel Contractor Fined for Underpaying Employees
After a six-month investigation, the U.S. Department of Labor issued a nearly $54,000 fine against a Los Angeles garment sewing contractor for underpaying 21 employees.
Fashion Design Giannulli and Wife Plead Not Guilty in College-Bribery Scandal
Fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli and wife, Lori Loughlin, pleaded not guilty on charges stemming from a college-admissions scandal case involving their two daughters.
Fashion Designer Mossimo Giannulli and Wife Charged With Money Laundering
Nearly one month after 33 parents were indicted for paying bribes to get their children into prestigious universities, 16 of them were indicted by a federal grand jury on a secondary charge of fraud and money laundering.
Fashion Designer Mossimo Giannulli and Wife Charged With Money Laundering
More charges filed against 16 parents caught up in college admissions cheating scandal.
Rent the Runway Sued by Competitor FashionPass
Rent the Runway was started in 2009 by two East Coast women who hit upon the idea of renting out clothes to a broad range of women who like to mix up their wardrobe but may not have the money to buy a full closet of clothes.
Fashion Designer Mossimo Giannulli and Wife Accused of Paying Bribes to Get Daughters Into USC
Los Angeles fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli and his wife were named in a massive federal indictment accusing wealthy individuals of paying bribes to get their children into prestigious universities.
New California Laws to Alter Workplace Rules
Ringing in the new year means ringing in a whole set of new laws that are important for employers to know. Most of these laws go into effect Jan. 1, but the minimum-wage increase in Los Angeles doesn’t take effect until July 1.
Agriculture Improvement Act Opens Door to Hemp Cultivation
Under the recently passed Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, signed by the Trump administration, hemp has been removed from the Controlled Substances Act, which was signed by President Richard Nixon in 1970.
Guess? Inc. Fined $45 Million for Violating EU Commerce Regulations
Following an antitrust investigation opened in June 2017, the European Commission has fined Los Angeles–based apparel brand Guess? Inc. for alleged practices the commission deemed restrictive to retailers.
L.A. Textiles Executives Sentenced to Prison for Laundering Mexican Cartel Drug Money
The owners of Pacific Eurotex Corp., a textile company in Los Angeles, were sentenced to federal prison after they pleaded guilty last year to federal money-laundering and tax-evasion charges.
Levi’s Sues Yves Saint Laurent America for Trademark Infringement
The famous trademarked red, blue or white tab found on Levi Strauss & Co.’s products has led the San Francisco denim maker to bring legal action against Yves Saint Laurent America, the American segment of the Parisian fashion house founded in the early 1960s.
Court Tells Dov Charney to Pay Nearly $20 Million to Hedge Fund
The Delaware Supreme Court upheld an early court ruling that Dov Charney, the founder of American Apparel, must repay $19.5 million to Standard General, a New York hedge fund.
California Kills Assembly Bill 2379 as Similar Microfiber Initiatives Grow in Other States
It might have led the charge for similar plastic microfiber bills in New York and Connecticut, but California’s Assembly Bill 2379 is off the table—for now.
San Francisco Passes Fur Ban
Joining West Hollywood and Berkeley, Calif., San Francisco implemented a similar ban restricting the sale of fur products following a unanimous 10–0 vote by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. At the forefront of the ban was Supervisor Katy Tang, who represents the city’s Sunset and Parkside neighborhoods.
The Big Issue of Microfibers in AB 2379
Last month, state Assembly member Richard Bloom introduced Assembly Bill 2379 to the California State Legislature. The bill would require manufacturers of clothing that comprises more than 50 percent polyester to include a label recommending consumers bypass the washing machine and handwash these items instead.
