Minimum Wage Hike for Berkeley and Two New Laws — On One Poster!

The City of Berkeley just issued a new Minimum Wage poster, which provides updated wage amounts, as well as information on two new laws: Paid Sick Leave and the Berkeley Family Friendly and Environment Friendly Workplace Ordinance.

Future Minimum Wage Changes for Employees in Berkeley

Since October 1, 2016, the City of Berkeley has been on a path to a $15.00 minimum wage. On October 1, 2017, the minimum wage will increase from $12.53 to $13.75 per hour. Effective October 1, 2018, the minimum wage will rise again to $15.00 per hour.

Beginning July 1, 2019, and every July 1 thereafter, the minimum wage will be based on the previous calendar year’s increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

New Paid Sick Leave Benefits

Berkeley’s new Paid Sick Leave (PSL) law goes into effect on October 1, 2017. The law provides employees who work at least 2 hours in a calendar week with 1 hour of PSL for every 30 hours worked. Paid Sick Leave may be accrued in hourly increments only, and may be used after 90 calendar days of employment.

The law states that an employee may use PSL for their own medical care, treatment, or diagnosis, as well as for the care of family members, including domestic partners.

Details of the Family-Friendly and Environment-Friendly Workplace Ordinance

According to the City of Berkeley, this new ordinance went into effect on March 16, 2017. Under the law, employees have the right to ask for a flexible or predictable work schedule, as long as they have been employed for 3 months or more and work at least 8 hours per week, on a regular basis. This request must be made in writing, and employers are required to respond in writing, within 21 days, to any written request from an employee.

The law was developed in response to changing demographics in the nation’s workforce and changes to family structures. It is intended to help working women and men who may be single parents, caregivers, or have long commutes, among other factors. The law also states that a reduction in work hours may help to reduce workers’ environmental impact.

Let Us Help You Stay in Compliance

Because poster changes can happen at any time, be sure to order our City/County Poster 1-Year Plan so that you will automatically receive the updated Berkeley poster as soon as it becomes available. Plus, we provide free updates for mandatory changes—no matter how many occur during the 12-month period—making this the best way to ensure worry-free compliance!