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The Workplace Know Your Rights Act (the “Act”), was recently signed into law. The Act establishes new obligations for California employers and the California Labor Commissioner, with the following key dates:
- January 1, 2026: The Act takes effect, requiring the California Labor Commissioner to publish a stand-alone notice informing employees of various workplace rights, including those related to workers’ compensation, immigration practices, union activity, and law enforcement actions in the workplace. The notice must be updated annually.
- February 1, 2026: California employers must provide this stand-alone notice to all employees. Distribution must occur annually thereafter.
- March 30, 2026: Employers must allow employees to designate an emergency contact in case of arrest or detention at work.
Employers who violate the Act face civil penalties of $500 per employee, per violation. Specifically for violations of the emergency contact requirements, employers face civil penalties of $500 per employee for each day the violation occurs, up to a maximum of $10,000 per employee.
Employers should monitor for the notice from the Labor Commissioner and prepare to comply with the new requirements.
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