📬September News: Minimum Wage Increase, Leave of Absence, Out-of-State Workers & More!

September 1, 2026

in Industry News,

The California Employers' Report - September 2026

Money-MinimumWageIncrease_wide

2027 CA Minimum Wage Announced

In response to inflation, California is increasing its minimum wage again next year, from the current $16.90/hour to $17.40/hour as of January 1, 2027.

The State’s Director of Finance confirmed this increase in a July 31 letter to Governor Newsom. As explained, the 50-cent increase is due to a 2.99% increase in the national Consumer Price Index for urban wage earners, or CPI-W. (California’s minimum wage is adjusted annually based on the CPI-W increase, up to a maximum of 3.5%.)

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Kim-Gusman

Kim's Message:
Celebrating M.A.M. Winners & Microjoy Moments

Every August, we spoil our CEA Members with free webinars, games, and prizes during Membership Appreciation Month (MAM). It’s been fun receiving feedback from our winners—many of whom are genuinely surprised to find out they’ve won something! As my daughter says, “Mom, people love it when you ‘surprise and delight them,’ no matter how big or small the gift.” READ MORE

Compliance News

Do California Employment Laws Apply to Out-of-State Workers?

California employers with out-of-state workers should take note of a recent decision from a California appeals court. The court considered whether California’s laws protecting employees from adverse employment decisions based on arrest records protected an out-of-state worker.

Back to School & Leave of Absence Requests

As summer winds down, many employees shift their focus from juggling their kids’ free time while school is out to those infamous back-to-school activities. Employers often see summer vacation requests begin to dwindle and things seem to go “back to business” until the holiday season begins.

Training News

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Pay Conversations are About More Than the Number

Compensation conversations are often one of the most uncomfortable parts of being a manager. Whether an employee is receiving a pay increase, asking why their raise was smaller than expected, or wondering how their pay compares to the market, these discussions can feel high-stakes for everyone involved.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage in September

You do not need to look far to find Hispanic/Latino influences in the Golden State. September 15 marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month. The celebration began in 1968 when Southern California Congressman George E. Brown introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives.

Summer Training Catalog

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