Each year, laws change. Sometimes, multiple changes will happen throughout the year. In 2021, there are some new labor laws in California that you should be aware of.
Though many of these laws directly impact employers, you should be aware of them as an employee as well. Knowing these new changes in law will help you protect your rights.
Starting in 2021: Supplemental paid sick leave
One of the changes is that you will see extra sick leave available in 2021 under AB 1867 or the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Those who are asked to isolate or quarantine may receive up to two weeks of paid leave with these acts.
Expanded rights for family care and medical leave
When someone is unwell in your family, you may need to take leave. Starting in 2020, all employers who have five or more employees must provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to employees who need to take care of a family member. This may double up with the Family and Medical Leave Act, requiring employers with 50 or more employees to offer 24 weeks of unpaid leave in some circumstances.
Minority representation
Another major change is the requirement to have at least one female director on the board of any publicly traded corporation. By the end of 2021, that number must be increased to at least two, but preferably three, women on the board, depending on how large the board of the organization is. By the end of 2021, it’s also expected that at least one of the directors, male or female, will be from an underrepresented community.
These are just some of the changes being made this and next year. Get to know these changes, so you can protect your rights.