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Labor LawThursday, May 31, 2018

Retailers Back Worker Center Bill
The Retail Industry Leaders Association on Tuesday threw its support behind H.R. 5665 (115), which would require worker centers to register as labor organizations. The centers are non-profit organizations that provide auxiliary services to workers, but business groups view them as de facto labor unions. In a letter to Rep. Francis Rooney (R-Fla.), the bill's sponsor, the trade association contended that worker centers operate outside federal labor law, skirting regulations

such as regular and fair elections for union leadership, reports to the Department of Labor, and transparency into membership dues and spending.

2018 HSA Family Contribution Limit Changed Again
The HSA contribution limit was lowered from $6,900 to $6,850 by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act making an inflation adjustment. The IRS is reversing course now for a second time, and the family HSA contribution limit will again be $6,900 for 2018. The IRS cited administrative and financial burdens for allowing the original limitation. More

California Enacts New Protections Against National Origin Discrimination
The California Office of Administrative Law recently approved new amendments to the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), strengthening the protections afforded to applicants and employees, including individuals who are undocumented, on the basis of their national origin. More

Terminating an Employee Arrested for Off-Duty Conduct Could Run Afoul of California Law
In a time when workplace violence seems to be on the rise, many companies have adopted a strict no tolerance policy even for conduct outside the workplace. In California, however, employers need to be cognizant of the protections afforded individuals that may make such terminations riskier than the company may expect. One employer got just such a reminder last week when a California jury returned an $18M verdict against it for terminating an employee after he was arrested for threatening his girlfriend outside of the workplace. More

WECA Primary Election Voter GuideThursday, May 31, 2018

WECA Government Affairs has compiled a Primary Election Voter Guide for the upcoming election on June 5, 2018, for the use of our members and the industry. Access here:

WECA's 2018 Primary Election Voter Guide

Merit Shop Advocacy for California

Richard Markuson

"Merit shop electrical contractors throughout California are under pressure from a political system that limits their ability to compete for and win public works contracts. Through our coordinated efforts to further the interests of the merit shop community, we will make doing business in California fair and profitable again."

WECA Government Affairs

Political Advocacy and Government Affairs

WECA is the only organization in California that focuses exclusively on the needs of electrical contractors and their employees. We are proud to represent thousands of electricians and hundreds of contractors. Our members believe that fair and open competition is the key to a robust and growing economy. Our members embrace the idea that political action is not simply prudent, but essential to preserving and enhancing their ability to pursue business opportunities in both the public and private marketplace.

The WECA governmental affairs staff works hard to protect the rights of merit shop business owners and their employees throughout California, but our efforts cannot succeed unless those in the merit shop community get involved.

Routine activities of the GA staff includes:

Monitoring all State Legislative and Regulatory proposals for beneficial and detrimental changes
Regular interaction with other business and construction groups in California and nationwide
Maintenance of a regular presence in Washington DC through membership in the US Chamber of Commerce and trips to Capitol Hill to lobby on Federal initiatives
Maintaining close working relationships with other merit shop groups such as CFEC, ABC chapters, AGC, ASCA, and Calpasc
Routinely monitors more than 305 local agencies including Cities, Counties, School Districts and other Special Districts
Evaluates state-wide ballot measures and candidates and recommends support for those causes and candidates that support WECA’s core values
Encourages appointment of state and local officials who will approach their assignments without prejudice
This website is designed to both educate our members and to empower them to have the greatest possible impact when it comes to effecting political change on the local, state and federal levels. Check out the latest political news and action alerts, learn more about the WECA Political Action Committee (WECA-PAC), and take a moment to visit the partner organizations we work with.

WECA

Western Electrical Contractors Association, Inc.