Last Updated: Jan. 3, 2008
Q: What do I need to do now that the federal minimum wage increase has been signed?
A: The president signed a war spending bill and budget on May 25, 2007 that includes an increase in the federal minimum wage. Minimum wage will go up to $5.85 per hour, beginning July 24, 2007; $6.55 per hour, beginning 12 months after that, or July 24, 2008; and $7.25 per hour, beginning 24 months after that, or July 24, 2009.
All California employers must post both the federal and state minimum wage posters, which are included in the CalChamber all-in-one poster. Although there are no citations or penalties for failure to post the federal minimum wage poster, CalChamber will make a copy of the poster available for download on our Web site when the new minimum wage goes into effect. The 2008 all-in-one poster will have the most current posters available at that time.
Q: Is there a new federal OSHA Poster and must I display it?
A: The federal Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has announced the availability of new employer posters, but the change does not affect California employers. California employers display a Cal/OSHA poster, which is incorporated in our 2007 Employment Poster, and are not required to display the federal agency poster.
Members outside of California, if they are required to display a federal OSHA poster, are not required to replace the previous version. Information and a download of the new version are available at www.osha.gov/Publications/poster.html
Q: Is there a new federal minimum wage and, if so, how does it affect my business?
A: Visit our Federal Minimum Wage Tracker for more information.
Q: Is the update to the DFEH Poster a mandatory update?
A: The Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) has published a revision to its discrimination and harassment posters (DFEH-162 and DFEH-162S) dated May 2006 (English) and July 2007 (Spanish). The DFEH has advised that the new posters are not yet mandatory until Jan. 1, 2007. For more information, see DFEH-162 Update.
Q: Are there any mandatory changes on the 2008 poster?
A: Employers must post the new federal minimum wage poster.
Q: Does my company need new pamphlets for 2008?
A: The EDD's Paid Family Leave Pamphlet has been updated for 2008, with required changes. The EDD will update its State Disability Insurance Pamphlet for 2008 with what it considers recommended changes. The Workers' Compensation pamphlet contains a required update of the temporary disability rates for 2008. Be sure to get on our standing order list so you will automatically be sent these required pamphlets. Purchase the pamphlets or other required notices from our online store.
Q: What postings are on the California Chamber of Commerce poster?
A: The Chamber's poster includes all 16 postings required by state and federal agencies that all California employers are required to post. See the Required Posters & Current Revisions chart for a list.
Q: Where should I display the 2008 poster?
A: You should display the poster anywhere that all employees can easily read it, such as a break room, common hallway, payroll office or other common location. In addition, you must display several of the posters (polygraph protection, and state and federal anti-discrimination posters) where job applicants can read them. Also, you must post the poster in each company location. For 2008, the Chamber has decreased the size of its poster to "26x39.75" to increase the number of available posting locations at your business.
Q: What notices are required to be distributed to employees?
A: Required notices include:
1) For Your Benefit (DE 2320). This pamphlet explains California's Unemployment Insurance and Disability Insurance programs and must be distributed when an employer discharges or lays off an employee, or places an employee on a leave of absence.
2) State Disability Insurance Provisions (DE 2515). This pamphlet explains an employee's disability insurance rights and must be distributed to all new hires and again if an employee goes out on disability leave.
3) Workers' Compensation Rights and Benefits Pamphlets. Give all new employees the Workers' Compensation pamphlet at time of hire.
4) Sexual Harassment Information Sheet. Every California employee and independent contractor must receive a sexual harassment information sheet from his/her employer.
5) Paid Family Leave pamphlets. This pamphlet explains California's new Paid Family Leave program. Give it to new employees and employees requesting time off for a covered reason.
All of the required notices that must be distributed are included in CalBizCentral's Required Notices Kit.
Certain industries have specific posting requirements that apply only to them. For a list, visit Unique Posters and Notices.
Q: Do I have to post the Cal/OSHA Log 300?
A: If you are an employer in a high-hazard industry, and you have more than 10 employees, you may be required to post the Cal/OSHA Log 300. See Log 300 Recordkeeping Obligations for more information.
Q: Do I have to post both state and federal minimum wage posters even though California's minimum wage is higher than the federal rate?
A: Even though California's minimum wage is higher than the federal minimum wage, both minimum wage posters are required for California employers. CalChamber's Employment Poster has both. The federal minmum wage poster was updated in July 2007, and the new poster must be posted by all employers.
Q: Are laminated posters required?
A: No, laminated posters are not required. You may choose to use a laminated poster because of the needs of your work environment. For example, if your company operates in a hazardous environment, outdoors or in industries such as restaurants or construction, laminated posters are highly recommended.