On June 27, 2016, Governor Brown signed a set of amendments to California’s Labor Code Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). PAGA provides employees with a private right of action against an employer who violates certain Labor Code sections. PAGA also allows employees to collect penalties on behalf of the state’s Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA).
The new PAGA amendments are intended to increase labor officials’ involvement in order to reduce the number of frivolous PAGA claims. Other parts of the new amendments include:
- An increase in the LWDA’s time to review PAGA notices, decide whether to investigate, and to issue citations
- Requirements that plaintiffs serve the LWDA with copies of their complaints and proposed settlements before they file in court
- A new filing fee of $75 for PAGA notices
If you have any questions about your obligations as an employer, please contact us at info@mitzelgroup.com or reach out to your Mitzel Group, LLP attorney directly.
