Court Rules Employees Must Be Paid For Brief Off-The-Clock Work
In the case of Troester v. Starbucks, the California Supreme Court ruled that the state’s labor code does not include a federal rule exempting employers from paying employees for brief amounts of time if that work is difficult to track. Such an instance might occur when, for example, an employee boots up a computer while off the clock, according to the California Chamber of Commerce. “California businesses will likely see a new surge of wage and hour lawsuits by employees,” CalChamber stated. The court commented that a few minutes worked off the clock each day can add up quickly and it is unfair to withhold payment for such time. The initial lawsuit was filed by Douglas Troester in 2012.
Real GDP Increased 4.1% In Second Quarter
The United States Bureau of Economic Analysis announced today that the real gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 4.1% in the second quarter. Comparatively, GDP increased 2.2% in the first quarter. The growth reflects increases in personal consumption expenditures, exports and government spending, according to the report. Personal income increased $183.7 billion, compared to a first quarter increase of $215.8 billion. Disposable income increased 2.6%. The bureau noted that the advanced estimate is based on incomplete data, with a second estimate to be released August 29.
Annual County Assessment Roll Reports Property Value, Tax Exemption Set Records
Los Angeles County Assessor Jeffrey Prang announced today that the annual county assessment roll, which measures real estate and property values, has set new records. The assessment roll for 2018 has a gross value of $1.57 trillion and a net value of $1.51 trillion, and business property in the county has an estimated value of $80 billion – all new highs. According to Prang’s statement, sales and other real estate transfers increased the roll by $47.6 billion compared to 2017. New construction added another $11 billion. Overall, the roll increased 6.62% in 2018. Prang’s office stated that his efforts to reduce taxes for one million homeowners resulted in a record $52 billion in tax exemptions.
Local Chefs Kick-Off Restaurant Week With A Lunch At Long Beach Rescue Mission
As a kickoff to Dine LBC Long Beach Restaurant Week, five local chefs are preparing a multi-course gourmet lunch for more than 250 homeless men, women and children on July 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Long Beach Rescue Mission, 1335 Pacific Ave. The chefs are from Lasher’s Kitchen, L’Opera Ristorante, Hof’s Hut, RICE & SHINE Filipino Brunch Pop-up and Rising Phoenix Catering Company. Restaurant Week is taking place August 4-12. More than 60 participating eateries are offering three course meals at a valued price. Click here for more information.
City of Signal Hill Receives Honors For Risk Management Efforts
The City of Signal Hill received a risk management award for “best overall performance for agencies with police” from the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, one of the state’s largest municipal insurance pools. The recognition honors members with strong liability and workers’ compensation programs. Factors evaluated include cost of claims and completion of action plan items. Last year, Signal Hill won a risk management award for its workers’ compensation program.