The IWC (Industrial Welfare Commission) has been disbanded. The IWC was responsible for reviewing & adjusting CA’s minimum wage and for establishing standards regarding workplace conditions and wages. Funds to support the IWC were left out of the budget. California employers are still required to post and comply with the wage order(s) and enforcement remains the responsibility of the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE). Copies of the current IWC wage orders are available at www.hrcalifornia.com/wageorders Pending Legislation: SB 1325 (Kuehl) Hospital Medical Staff Self-Governance This CMA-sponsored bill would provide that the bylaws of an organized medical staff constitute a contractual relationship between the medical staff and the hospital. Now in assembly appropriations, scheduled for hearing on 8/04 SB 1538 (Alarcon; D-Sun Valley) Paid Rest Breaks. Would require employers to pay employees for any rest periods mandated by law. Now in Assembly appropriations, scheduled for hearing on 8/2 SB 1555 (Speier; D-San Francisco/San Mateo) - Maternity services. Increases the cost of health insurance premiums by mandating health care service plans to include maternity coverage even if the purchaser does not want or need it. Now in assembly appropriations, not scheduled for hearing SB 2832 (Lieber; D-Mountain View) – Minimum Wage. Proposes increase from $6.75/hr to $7.25/hr & increases lodging & meal credits by 7.4% as of 1/1/05. Increases again to $7.75/hr and credits by 6.9% on 1/1/06. Now in Senate appropriations, scheduled for hearing on 8/2 Failed AB 2696 (Plescia; R-San Diego) Instructs the Employment Development Department (EDD) to write the regulations implementing the new paid benefits for family leave law in plain, simple language. Express your opinion – Contact your legislators at www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html and/or call the Governor at 916-445-0131 For a complete copy of the CA Labor Code, Click H To back-page, Use your browser BACK button