Employer Alert: New Crime Victims’ Leave Notices Are Available and Must Be Distributed Now!
We previously discussed California’s new Crime Victims’ Leave law enacted last year as Assembly Bill 2499. The measure, which went into effect on January 1 of this year, expanded the list of crimes for which employees are entitled to take time off and allows employees to take time off to help family members, as defined, who are the victims of the specified crimes for specified purposes.
Although the law has already gone into effect, the Legislature had us stay tuned for the model crime victims notice for workplaces to be issued by the California Civil Rights Department at a later date. This final step has now arrived and with it, employers must ensure they are compliant.
What should employers do as of July 1? Employers must provide the SURVIVORS OF VIOLENCE AND FAMILY MEMBERS OF VICTIMS RIGHT TO LEAVE AND ACCOMMODATIONS NOTICE to workers on the following occasions:
Ø At the time of hire,
Ø Annually,
Ø Upon request, and
Ø To any worker who informs the employer that they are a victim of violence or the family member of a victim of violence.
o Victims of violence include victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, violent threats, acts involving the use or presence of a dangerous weapon, or any violence causing injury
What does the Notice entail? The Notice informs workers of several key rights relating to the updated crime victims’ leave law, including:
Ø The right to take time off
Ø The right to confidentiality
Ø The right to reasonable accommodation for the employee’s safety
Ø The right to be free from retaliation and discrimination
Ø Information regarding protections under other laws:
o Wage replacement
o Family and medical leave
o Bereavement leave
o Leave to attend court for certain crimes
For questions regarding leave laws, workplace compliance, employee handbooks and any other labor and employment issues, Rosasco Law Group is here to help!
