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1. In order to avoid confusion, Section 2.50 is
deleted in its entirety and replaced with Section 2.52. Wherever possible, the
language of the existing ordinance has been retained.
2. In
some cases, the language of the ordinance has been modified to make it
consistent with the language of other living wage ordinances across the country.
3. The
living wage rate has been changed to reflect the cost of living adjustment
adopted on December 19, 2006. Section 2.52.50(A, C) Reference to a special
living wage rate for IHSS workers has been deleted. Section 2.52.50(B).
4. Investigation
of violation complaints has been moved from the county administrator’s office
to the county personnel office. Sections 2.52.100(A, B) & 2.52.140.
5. The
provision for the County to recover its investigation fees and penalties has
been strengthened to $1,000 per day per worker involved, which is the maximum
available under government code to localities for ordinance penalties. The
existing provision limits the County’s ability to recover to just $2,500, which
is far less than the costs the County would actually incur. The increase is
intended both to protect the County and to give employers incentive to comply
with the ordinance. Sections 2.52.110 & 2.52.140.
6. The anti-retaliation provision has been clarified to
protect employers from having to retain employees who could otherwise be fired
for cause. The wording of the existing ordinance imposes an absolute ban on
firing anyone who has ever filed a complaint, even if the firing was for
just cause. Section 2.50.150 (2002)
7. The
existing anti-retaliation provision protects workers only with regard to
complaints to the County. In the proposed ordinance, the anti-retaliation
provision has been broadened to protect workers who do the right thing and
complain first to their own bosses, or who make other legitimate complaints.
Section 2.52.150.
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