CAWA  CONNECTIONS

Website       About Us       News & Alerts       Government Affairs       Free Legal

Thank You to Our Sponsor of This Edition of CAWA Connections

Automotive Distribution Network
  
July 24, 2018 Week In Connections

CAWA's Annual Dinner Gala - October 28, 2018 in Las Vegas
Plan on attending this year's annual gala the Sunday night before AAPEX/SEMA at Caesar's in Las Vegas. The keynote speaker will be Robert Cushing of Advance Auto Parts - Worldpac and the event will generate replenishment revenues for the Association's scholarship program. See the enclosed letter ( here) and contribution form ( here) from this year's Fundraising Committee Chair, Ron Aparicio of Mevotech and open up your wallets and contribute prizes for the auction and raffle which will occur during the gala. Watch for registration materials and contact Rodney Pierini, President & CEO with questions at 800.332.2292, ext. 1201 or admin@cawa.org. See you in Las Vegas!

Advance Auto Parts
Worldpac

What is CAWA's PAC and Why Do We Have One?
The Association created a Political Action Committee (PAC). A PAC allows CAWA to: sponsor legislative bills to promote and protect its members and the industry it serves, as well as, award political contributions to increase the visibility and understanding of the Association and its members' issues. In short, a PAC allows an individual business to make a greater impact in the public policy arena than if they acted alone. The PAC also educates members of the legislatures on issues and situations that matter most to the Association and its membership. Absent these efforts, elected officials might not realize the importance of our industry to their constituency or how issues they are deciding might impact both auto care businesses and their customers, the motoring public. Thus, the CAWA PAC helps strengthen our Association's voice by supporting key decision-makers who truly understand our industry and the work we do. 

The political climate is constantly changing and it is important that we have resources to help look out for the best interests of our industry. Every member has the opportunity to contribute to the PAC when they pay their dues invoice. It's not a lot of money but it does contribute to the overall effectiveness of the PAC and sustains it into the future. For more information on the PAC and where the funds go, contact Rodney Pierini, President & CEO at 800.332.2292, ext. 1201 or admin@cawa.org.


Prop 65 Compliance - A Must See
Prop 65
Proposition 65, officially known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, was enacted as a California ballot initiative in November 1986. The proposition protects the State's drinking water sources from being contaminated with chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm, and requires businesses to inform Californians about exposures to such chemicals.

CAWA is committed to educating its membership regarding the new Prop 65 regulations (that become effective on August 30, 2018). Below are several resources for you to better understand the regulations, your responsibility to comply and the potential consequences should non - compliance be found. Recall, too, as a member, you can receive up to ½ hour per month of FREE legal consultation on matters such as Prop 65. Contact CAWA's California based attorney, Stephen Marmaduke at 916.441.2430 or Smarmaduke@wilkefleury.com with questions. Another member benefit.


The Federal Persuader Regulation was Intended to Limit Employees' Free Choice and Employers' Free Speech Regarding Unionization
The federal Department of Labor (DOL) issued the "persuader" regulation on March 24, 2016. The regulation, which went into effect in July 2016 but was enjoined by a federal court in November 2016, would have changed federal disclosure rules to make it more difficult for employers to access legal counsel or other expert advice on labor and employee relations issues. This rule interferes with employers' ability to engage in positive employee relations and legally communicate with employees about the pros and cons of unionization. In June 2017, the DOL began the process of rescinding the rule through a new Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. On July 17, 2018, the DOL announced its full repeal of the original persuader rule. The rescission, which will be formally published in the Federal Register, will take effect 30 days after publication.

Did You Know CAWA Has a News Page?
Stay up to date on everything you need to know in the Auto Industry in one spot - here! Another member benefit.
news

Workers Comp Insurance Renewal for Many Members is Here
The renewal process for many CAWA members is coming upon us quickly. For competitive rates and quality customer service, call our insurance partners at Armstrong & Associates. See the enclosure ( here) for details on this year's renewal and call Glen Dailey at 800.575.6891 or gdailey@armstrongprofessional.com. Another member benefit.


California Employers are Now Required to Comply with Federal OSHA's Electronic Reporting and Submit Their 2017 Form 300A Data by July 1, 2018 - Did You Meet the Deadline?
Effective January 1, 2017, employers in states regulated by federal OSHA were required to electronically submit Log 300 records of injuries and illnesses. On April 30, 2018, federal OSHA posted a "trade release" requiring affected employers that are a "covered establishment" (regardless of State) to submit injury and illness data in the federal OSHA Injury Tracking Application (ITA) online portal. For specific instructions, go to federal OSHA's ITA website. The site has useful guides on how to submit information. Usually it takes about 20 minutes for a covered establishment with 20-249 employees. For more details, see here. Source: Armstrong & Associates
OSHA


If You Do Business in the Personal Data of California Residents - Pay Close Attention - Your Business May Need to Comply with New Regulations
As of January 1, 2020, companies around the world will have to comply with additional regulations related to processing of personal data of California residents. Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, companies have to observe restrictions on data monetization business models, accommodate rights to access, deletion, and porting of personal data, update their privacy policies and brace for additional penalties and liquidated damages. See https://iapp.org/news/a/analysis-the-california-consumer-privacy-act-of-2018/ for more details and analysis of the regulations. Source: International Association of Privacy Professionals

Rhode Island Bill Restricting Aftermarket Parts Becomes Law - There is No CAWA There
aftermarket parts
On July 4, Governor Gina Raimondo of Rhode Island allowed House Bill 8013/Senate Bill 2679 to become law without her signature, following passage by the legislature in late June. The bill not only prohibits use of non-OEM parts without express written consent from the vehicle owner, but also forbids insurance companies from requiring the use of aftermarket parts for any repair on vehicles fewer than 48 months old. Auto glass is exempted in the final legislation.

Five states, including Rhode Island, have laws restricting aftermarket parts to some extent, but this legislation is the most restrictive to date. CAWA is vigilant in the three states we represent in the west to promote and protect the automotive aftermarket industry from laws such as this one! Another member benefit.

Read the Legislation here.

Credit Card Processing Information
Periodically the Card Brands release updates and new requirements for processing credit cards in the United States. All merchants are encouraged to read the following announcements ( click here), and contact their merchant service provider or Superior Financial Systems, Inc. if they have questions regarding the new information. 
 

Looking for Quality Employees?
The CAWA Career Center is more than just a place to post job opportunities. In fact, we offer something of far greater value than other recruitment sites. Check it out today!
CAWA Career Board  
"CAWA - Representing the Automotive Parts Industry"
Copyright 2018, All Rights Reserved