Under existing law, the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) maintains a small employer mediation program for employers with between 5 and 19 employees. Under this program, when an employee of a small business requests an immediate “right-to-sue notice” alleging a violation of the California Family Rights Act (Gov. Code, Section 12945.2) or California’s Bereavement Leave Law (Gov. Code, Section 12945.7), the CRD notifies the employee in writing of the requirement to participate in mediation prior to filing a civil action if mediation is requested by the employer or employee. Existing law also sets forth the procedure and obligations for the mediation and related matters.
Under existing law, the small business mediation program sunsets on January 1, 2024. Assembly Bill 1756 (AB 1756) extends the program until January 1, 2025.
(As relevant to private schools, AB 1756 amends Section 12945.21 of the Government Code.)