A PAGA lawyer tries to charge $1,826 per hour in fees, + paying other industries’ employees when they’re on strike?
Tue, Aug. 29, 2023
California
The mission of the California Restaurant Association is to be the definitive voice of the California foodservice industry.
California lawmakers consider unemployment pay for striking workers
California lawmakers this year have reintroduced a proposal to give state unemployment benefits to workers on strike. The CRA, along with many other business organizations, oppose the bill.
“This is going to hit employers, even those who have no involvement at all in any labor dispute and never have, but they’re still going to pay increased taxes,” said Robert Moutrie, a policy advocate at the California Chamber of Commerce.
A ‘dire’ situation: Employees’ mental health care needs soar again
The need for mental health care grew during the pandemic and employers are working to keep up and to keep costs low for employees. Health care costs overall are continuing to rise.
Member Benefit: HealthiestYou from Teladoc is available to members for $9 per employee per month ($9/mo includes employee + entire family) with $0 copays. It covers mental health, general medicine, dermatology, back pain, and expert medical opinions.
Judge rejects lawyer’s ‘extraordinary’ PAGA claim fees
A plaintiff’s attorney in a PAGA case will receive more than $162,000 in fees while the main plaintiff receives $10,000. That enormous gap would have been even larger if a judge hadn’t rejected the lawyer’s initial fee amount. As impacted employers already know, PAGA amounts to a legalized shakedown.
The Freshest Ideas. The Hottest Trends. The Biggest Expo.
Thank you for inviting the CRA to join the 2023 Shamrock Foods Expo.
It was great to see everyone at our booth this year!
National
Pork belly prices are up 100% this year – your breakfast bacon is about to get pricier
It is no surprise – the price of pork products is rising significantly because of California’s animal welfare law, Proposition 12. Price increases are expected to be most dramatic for bacon.
Restaurants feeling pinch of credit card fees
According to one report, U.S. merchants paid $160 billion in credit card processing fees in 2022 – a 16% increase from the year before. Meanwhile, credit card spending went up by nearly 19% in that year. The Credit Card Competition Act, strongly supported by the National Restaurant Association, has aimed to inject some fairness into these transactions.
During the 19th annual California Wine Month in September, we’re recognizing the people, regions, and experiences of the Golden State. From harvest to wine tastings to wine festivals, find your local experience.
It’s Food Safety Month, and we’re Cracking the Code on Food Safety
We will be busting myths, breaking down complex concepts, and cracking the code on common food safety practices each week. Let’s begin with Cracking the Code on Time and Temperature.
CRA News
The California Restaurant Association names Richard R. Frank Chairman of the Board
“Richard is a passionate advocate for state and local policy that works for restaurants and their workforce,” said CRA President and CEO, Jot Condie. “We look forward to his leadership as restaurants strive to grow and succeed in a challenging business environment.”
54 students to receive CRF Scholarships
The California Restaurant Foundation just announced that it has awarded $140,000 in co-branded scholarships to 54 students. These students are pursuing degrees in culinary arts, hospitality management and more. CRF has been investing in future restaurant leaders since 1981.
See photos and quotes of the 2023 CRF Scholars HERE.
LEGAL PARTNER CONTENT:
Five Steps to Reduce Employment Litigation
CRA legal partner Zaller Law Group reviews the top five steps to reduce employment-related lawsuits.
Reminder: CRA Members receive 15 minutes of free legal advice per month. To schedule a call with one of our legal partners, please call 800.765.4842 ext. 2743 or email helpline@calrest.org.
What could you do with a $150,000 refund?
Get up to $26,000 per employee with the Employee Retention Credit program. This program supports businesses that kept W-2 employees on their payroll in 2020 and 2021. Adesso Capital can help small businesses finance their dreams.
Attention all beverage enthusiasts!
Don’t miss the SommCon Conference & Beverage Expo in beautiful San Diego, California, this September 10-12, 2023! Use the promo code CALREST as a CRA member to receive $100 off your registration.
Join the CRA Los Angeles Chapter for a day out on the golf course. Win amazing raffle prizes, compete in contests, earn bragging rights and network with industry operators and vendors.
Culinary Spotlight: New Orleans Cuisine
9240 Firestone Blvd. Downey, CA 90241
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Event Calendar
SEP 6
8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
San Diego County All Member Meeting – September 2023
SEP 11
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
San Diego: ServSafe® Food Protection Manager IN-PERSON Training & Proctored Exam
SEP 12
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Marysville: ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification
SEP 13
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
CRA Legal Center Webinar with Berliner Cohen: Navigating Surcharges: Mastering the Dos and Don’ts