Workplace Safety

Socorro Diaz, who has worked cleaning houses for 17 years, was still trying to digest Gov. Gavin Newsom’s veto of a bill that would have provided protections for domestic workers. “I am very angry, very sad because I know that my work is worthy and deserves respect,” said Diaz. SB 1257, which was approved by […]

Santa Barbara County adopts new rules aimed at preventing COVID-19 outbreaks among H-2A farmworkers. The move comes amid reports of outbreaks, including a monthlong investigation by CalMatters and The Salinas Californian that uncovered outbreaks that sickened more than 350.

Activists joined workers at a McDonald’s in Boyle Heights last week demanding management to return jobs back to four employees after they went on a strike over lack of safety and security at a store during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lizzet Aguilar, 35, one of the strikers, said when the pandemic hit, the McDonald’s where she […]

A bill on the governor's desk would require employers to notify workers and county public health officials about coronavirus outbreaks. A joint investigation by CalMatters and The Salinas Californian uncovered reports of guest worker outbreaks where neither workers nor counties were notified.

Industry experts say they hope the impact to consumers will be minimal, with little disruption to the supply chain.

Brigades and beer As fires continue to rage across the state, stretching understaffed firefighting crews to the limit, some Californians are taking matters into their own hands and forming makeshift brigades to protect their communities. In the face of limited help from fire agencies, about 50 Bonny Doon residents defied evacuation orders to defend their […]

Health care workers make up nearly 40 percent of those seeking wage and medical benefits from the program.

With a series of temporary protections that helped Californians get through the first few months of the pandemic set to expire soon, Gov. Gavin Newsom hinted he will today extend some programs in another flex of executive power. Additional federal unemployment benefits of $600 per week end July 31, foreshadowing a wave of evictions and […]

The coronavirus pandemic sent overall workers’ compensation claims plummeting as California workplaces shut down and fewer employees were injured on the job.

Essential workers who contract covid-19 get workers comp protection. Company behind collapsed mask deal under investigation. Hospitals are struggling.