Friday, August 3, 2012
Contact: Denise Davis
SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Chamber of Commerce is today releasing two new installments of CalChamber News focusing on “job killer” bills scheduled to be heard in committee on Monday, August 6.
The first segment is focused on “job killer” AB 1450 (Allen), a bill that would essentially prohibit employers from legitimately inquiring into an applicant’s most recent employment history, due to fear that such an inquiry will ultimately lead to penalties and costs on the basis that the applicant was discriminated against because of his or her status as unemployed.
“The Legislature of California is preventing an employer from determining whether or not a new employee is going to be dangerous or a hazard,” says CalChamber President and CEO Allan Zaremberg of AB 1450. In the video, Zaremberg says the bill puts “everyone at risk” because employers could not properly screen potential employees.
The second CalChamber News segment released today discusses “job killer” bills AB 1999 (Brownley) and AB 2039 (Swanson). The bills would add significant burdens to California employers by expanding the types of leaves and circumstances under which protected leave can be taken on top of the myriad of existing leave programs.
“When you look at the cumulative impact of all the leave programs have on employers, it is significant,” said Jennifer Barrera, CalChamber Policy Advocate and employment law expert.
“It adds up to an overwhelming burden on business owners.”
In the video, Zaremberg also discusses the competitive disadvantage the additional proposed leave programs would have on California companies. “These kinds of situations don’t exist anywhere else in the country. When you have increased exposure to liability you think twice before you invest in California,” Zaremberg said.
The California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber) is the largest broad-based business advocate to government in California. Membership represents one-quarter of the private sector jobs in California and includes firms of all sizes and companies from every industry within the state. Leveraging our front-line knowledge of laws and regulations, we provide products and services to help businesses comply with both federal and state law. CalChamber, a not-for-profit organization with roots dating to 1890, promotes international trade and investment in order to stimulate California's economy and create jobs. Please visit our website at www.calchamber.com.