HSRR's Randy Renick and Cornelia Dai are featured speakers at Bridgeport's Annual Wage & Hour Conference taking place December 13-14, 2012. This two-day program brings together leading practitioners to explore and explain in-depth the critical aspects of Wage & Hour litigation. This year's program will focus on the ever-increasing use of PAGA in wage and hour litigation; key developments in the case law interpreting the white-collar exemptions, the enforcement of arbitration agreements and the rules for settling class claims; and increased and coordinated efforts by government agencies to enforce the wage and hour laws. The program will also explore the unique challenges associated with trying wage and hour claims on a class and individual basis with practitioners who have actually tried such cases in court. This well-balanced program offers the perspective of California's leading experienced litigators, as well as government regulators and in-house counsel. More information and registration information can be found at http://bridgeportce.com/bridgeport/index.php/upcoming-programs/8-up-coming-programs/9-wage-hour-los-angeles.
California guards file complaint over unpaid wages
Many California residents may have woken up in the middle of the night to take advantage of Black Friday sales before the big holiday shopping rush. However, such shopping can take a toll on workers who have to endure the crazy hours and stress that comes with running an establishment full of shoppers for extended hours. Such is the case for a group of security guards who worked at a local Walmart the night of Thanksgiving. They are now seeking unpaid wages from their security company.
California sexual harassment can happen to anyone
California residents may be familiar with the very popular Waffle House restaurant chain. The chairman of the successful chain is under investigation by authorities because of sexual harassment allegations. The woman at the heart of the scandal is the man's former housekeeper. The chairman denies any wrongdoing and claims he is the victim of blackmail.
New California laws address budget, workplace discrimination
Beginning next year, California will have new workplace laws in effect. Some of the laws cover such areas as workplace discrimination and the rights of workers, but the focus for the New Year was mostly on the budget. Approximately 18 laws are scheduled to affect both employees and their employers.
California man wins wrongful termination suit over drug use
A California visual effects specialist filed a lawsuit after he was purportedly fired from his job because he complained about a co-worker's drug use. The man has since won his wrongful termination suit and has been awarded almost half-a-million dollars. He will be awarded even more under a settlement that was reached earlier.
HSRR obtains historic settlement for communities surrounding proposed site of the football stadium in Downtown Los Angeles
Today, Hadsell Stormer Richardson & Renick, along with the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles and Robert D. Newman, Attorney at Law, announced the settlement of a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the law that granted special privileges for the Farmers Field football project in downtown Los Angeles. The settlement is a tremendous victory for the people who live near the proposed stadium, most of whom are working class people of color. The agreement includes a $15 million Housing Trust Fund which will create affordable housing units in Pico-Union, South L.A. and Downtown Los Angeles. Plaintiffs also secured commitments on a wide range of other community benefits and measures, including air quality improvement projects, improvements serving bus riders, additional parks and open space, neighborhood improvement plans, a living wage for employees, the hiring of disadvantaged workers and a community team to promote health in the surrounding area.
Models' class action lawsuit could come to touch California
Models are banding together in a class action lawsuit seeking compensation from some of the nation's top modeling firms. Although this lawsuit is occurring outside of California, it could encourage other models across the nation, including Los Angeles, to take up the same cause and pursue legal action. The class action lawsuit names Ford Models, Next Management and Wilhelmina among the defendants. Some ad agencies are also named.
