On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Employment Law" Podcast with San Diego attorney Ward Heinrichs, the conversation continues on the new and evolving California employment laws for 2026.

This episode takes a deeper dive into Prop 22 and gig worker classification, new wage posting requirements, tip pooling rules, wage judgments, repayment clauses in employment contracts, and additional compliance issues employers need to understand to avoid penalties. As California’s labor laws grow increasingly complex, this episode offers critical guidance for both employers and employees navigating the year ahead.

LINKS & RESOURCES - Read Ward's Article & Listen to Part One: https://open.substack.com/pub/successexpress/p/new-california-employment-laws-2026 - Connect with Ward on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ward-heinrichs/ - Visit Ward's site: https://www.employment-law-office-of-ward-heinrichs-apc.com/ - Listen to more episodes: https://ward-heinrichs-employment-law.podbean.com/ - This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Success Express" & "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s California Employment Law Podcast, San Diego attorney Ward Heinrichs breaks down the upcoming changes to California’s minimum wage laws, effective January 2026.

The discussion covers minimum wage increases across sectors, challenges for small businesses competing with larger employers, and significant wage hikes in the healthcare industry. Ward also explains compliance requirements for exempt employees, the consequences of wage violations, and strategies for avoiding costly mistakes. This episode is essential for both employers and employees navigating California’s evolving wage landscape.

📖 Read Ward’s article: https://successexpress.substack.com/p/new-california-employment-laws-for

👨‍⚖️ Connect with Ward Heinrichs: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ward-heinrichs/

🎧 More episodes: https://ward-heinrichs-employment-law.podbean.com/

🔊 Part of the Success Express Podcast Channel on the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "California Employment Law" Podcast, San Diego attorney Ward Heinrichs discusses the growing impact of artificial intelligence in employment practices and hiring decisions. The conversation explores how AI can both reflect and amplify existing biases and racism, the ethical challenges of developing fair algorithms, and the importance of transparency and accountability. Ward also explains new regulations designed to ensure equitable hiring practices and protect against AI-driven discrimination in the workplace.

📖 Read Ward’s article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/garbage-in-garbage-out-new-regulations-address-ai-discrimination/

👨‍⚖️ Connect with Ward Heinrichs: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ward-heinrichs/

🎧 More episodes: https://ward-heinrichs-employment-law.podbean.com/

🔊 This episode is also featured on the Success Express Podcast Channel on the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork