Bill > AB858

This bill extends existing California labor protections for displaced workers related to the COVID-19 pandemic until January 1, 2027. Specifically, the law requires employers in certain industries (such as hotels, airports, event centers, and building services) to offer job positions to laid-off employees who were employed for at least six months and were separated from work due to pandemic-related reasons. Employers must provide written job offers to these employees, prioritizing those with the longest service, and give them at least five business days to accept or decline. The bill maintains provisions that protect laid-off employees from retaliation if they seek to enforce their rights, and allows them to file complaints with the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement if employers fail to comply. Employers must maintain records of laid-off employees for three years and can face civil penalties of up to $600 per employee per day for violations. The law creates a presumption that separations due to economic reasons during the pandemic are COVID-related unless employers can prove otherwise, and it allows for potential reinstatement, back pay, and other remedies for affected workers.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB858