As a new year begins, companies in California are required to display updated Labor Law notices in their premises. Many businesses opt for a convenient laminated poster that can be easily hung in a common area of the office where all employees can have access to it, such as a break room or main lobby. If the company has multiple locations, each workplace must have its own posters. In California, no matter if the company has one or 1,000 employees, displaying these employment notices are required by law. Failing to comply with this requirement can lead to a fine worth thousands of dollars. If you are a small business, that could break you for the rest of the year. For 2018, the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce if offering one poster that includes both federal and California notices and is making the poster available in English and Spanish (companies with Spanish speaking employees must have the poster in Spanish as well). The notices may change every year – for example, the minimum wage may go up – that’s why it is very important to make sure the poster contains any new sections mandated by the federal government or the state. These are the 18 California and Federal Employment Notices included in the poster the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce is currently offering:

• (New) Transgender Rights in the Workplace (DFEH)
• Healthy Workplaces/Healthy Families Act of 2014 – Paid Sick Leave
• Equal Employment Opportunity is THE LAW
• Notice to Employees (EDD: UI, DI and PFL)
• California Minimum Wage
• Federal Minimum Wage
• Your Rights Under USERRA
• Safety and Health Protection on the Job (Cal/OSHA)
• Notice to Employees-Injuries Caused by Work (Division of Workers’ Compensation)
• California Law Prohibits Workplace Discrimination and Harassment (DFEH)
• Your Rights and Obligations as a Pregnant Employee
• Family Care and Medical Leave (CFRA Leave) and Pregnancy Disability Leave
• Employee Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act
• Whistleblowers Are Protected
• Time Off to Vote
• Employee Polygraph Protection Act
• Emergency Contacts
• Payday Notice

While some businesses may rush to get their Labor Law posters or Employment Notices to comply with workplace regulations and avoid fines, the bottom line is these notices protect both employers and employees. It is important for both parties to know their rights to prevent potential lawsuits, disputes or grievances. Keeping everyone informed and on the same page creates a better workplace environment where employees feel safe and comfortable working. To order your 2018 Labor Law Posters, click here.