Labor

The H-1B visa program is well-intended but flawed in its current form, largely favoring tech giants such as Meta. Without reforms, the intense demand for math, science and technology workers is hindering smaller companies and limiting competition.

About 500,000 California health care workers were expected to see pay increases under a law that set a new minimum wage for their industry. Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to delay the pay bumps until the state budget has a stronger outlook.

California has plenty of existential issues. A chronic shortage of workers may have joined the list as public and private employers scramble to fill open positions.

Several significant laws take effect Jan. 1 that will affect schools, workplaces and pocketbooks. Here’s a collection you can click through.

Under a new law, employees in California are guaranteed five paid sick days a year, two days more than previously. Worker advocacy groups say the benefit is needed, but business groups warn of additional costs.

As extra pandemic benefits ended, California poverty rose in 2023. Pay increases in 2024 and labor activism could change the equation.

California fast-food workers will earn a $20 minimum wage in April. Other employers might have to raise their pay floor to recruit and retain staff.

In 2023, the most diverse California Legislature ever refereed the perennial battle between labor and business and faced public worries on crime and homelessness.

The Exclusive Poultry Inc. agreed to pay $3.8 million in wages, damages and penalties in part for hiring children for dangerous work. The case is one of hundreds federal labor officials investigated last year.

With nine months' experience in the Assembly, Liz Ortega will lead the Labor committee after a strike-filled summer and several wins for low-wage workers.