It's Time to Update Your Premium Payment System | Colony West
Is it time to review your compensation practices? Click to learn more December 4, 2024

It’s Time to Update Your Premium Payment System

Compliance/By Julien/0 comments
As a result of the Ferra v Loews Hollywood Hotel, LLC, decision held by the California Supreme Court on July 15,2021, all California employers must pay premium payments to employees for rest periods, recovery breaks and missed meals at the employee’s “regular rate of pay” instead of their base hourly rate. It is critical for employers to calculate the regular rate of pay accurately in order to determine the appropriate compensation rate. The regular rate of pay is often higher than the base hourly rate, as it includes all non discretionary incentive payments such as bonuses and commissions.

 

The court’s decision applies retroactively, which means that California employers may be exposed to class action claims.

 

Employers need to take action to ensure they are compliant with the law and should consider the following steps:

 

1) Update of Premium Payment Systems

Every noncompliant meal, rest and recovery period should be paid at the regular rate of pay.

 

2) Retroactive Payments

In order to avoid costly litigation and penalties, employers should make restitution payments to employees who previously received premium payments at their base hourly rate instead of their regular rate of pay.

 

3) Update or Eliminate Incentive Programs

Consider making changes to your incentive compensation programs in order to lighten the administrative workload.

 

If Loews isn’t on top of their game, is it fair to assume
that your business may need an independent review?

Our team of experts can help you manage the workload
and make sure your business stays compliant.