Last Updated: December 27, 2011
Q: Does the 2012 poster contain mandatory changes?
A: Yes, effective January 1, 2012, there are mandatory updates to the Discrimination and Harassment notice and the Family & Medical Leave notice. The requirement for most private-sector employers to post a new notice issued by the NLRB entitled, "Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act," was originally scheduled for January 31, 2012, but the NLRB has delayed implementation until April 30, 2012. For exclusions and updates, download CalChamber’s Q&A document.
Q: Are there other 2012 poster updates I should know about?
A: Yes, there are also poster updates to the Safety and Health notice. These are recommended but not mandatory updates.
Q: Does my company need new pamphlets for 2012?
A: The 2012 Workers’ Compensation Rights & Benefits pamphlet includes new Temporary Disability Benefit Rates that go into effect January 1, 2012, as issued by California’s Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC). There are also updates to gender harassment language in the Sexual Harassment pamphlet. These are recommended but not mandatory updates.
Q: Which notices do CalChamber's California and Federal Employment Notices Posters include?
A: CalChamber's two-poster set for 2012 includes all 17 notices required by state and federal agencies for most California employers to post, including the 26”x 39.75” combined California and federal poster, and the new 11”x17” NLRA poster. For NLRA exclusions and updates, download CalChamber’s Q&A document.
Q: Where should I display the posters?
A: Display the posters anywhere all employees can easily read them, such as a break room, common hallway, payroll office or other common location. You must also post the posters in each company location.
Q: What other information must be distributed to employees?
A: Required notices include:
- 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.
- 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.
- Workers' Compensation Rights & Benefits pamphlet. Give all new employees the Workers' Compensation pamphlet at time of hire.
- Sexual Harassment pamphlet. Every California employee and independent contractor must receive a sexual harassment information sheet from his/her employer.
- Paid Family Leave pamphlet. This pamphlet explains California's Paid Family Leave program. Give it to new employees and employees requesting time off for a covered reason.
- Earned Income Tax Credit Notification. All employers are required to notify all of their employees of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
- Notice to Employees (DE 35). This notice informs employees that their employer is required to send copies of Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate (Form W-4 [federal] or DE 4 [state]) to the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) if the certificate meets certain conditions.
CalChamber's convenient Required Notices Kit includes all the required notices that must be distributed to employees. Some specific posting requirements apply only to certain industries. For a list, visit Unique Posters and Notices.
Q: Must I post the Cal/OSHA Log 300?
A: If you are an employer in a high-hazard industry and you employ more than 10 people, you may be required to post the Cal/OSHA Log 300. See Log 300 Recordkeeping Obligations for more information.
Q: Must I post both state and federal minimum wage posters even though California's minimum wage is higher than the federal rate?
A: Yes. California employers must post both minimum wage notices. CalChamber's California and Federal Employment Notices Poster contains both.
Q: Must I use laminated posters?
A: No. You may choose to use a laminated poster because of your work environment's needs. For example, if your company operates in a hazardous environment, outdoors or belongs to industries such as restaurants or construction, laminated posters are highly recommended.