Gov. Newsom Releases Workers’ Compensation Executive Order
State Capitol
As anticipated, Governor Gavin Newsom announced an executive order on May 6 to implement changes to workers’ compensation relating to COVID-19. Click the Learn More link for Ag Council’s joint statement with other ag organizations.
The executive order contains a rebuttable presumption applying to those who work outside of the home at the direction of their employer. Under the order, a positive test for the virus is presumed to be “work related” if contracted within 14 days after the employee performed work. An employer can controvert the presumption with other evidence under certain constraints.
Ag Council appreciates the parameters included in the executive order, such as requiring a positive COVID-19 test or diagnosis, the limited timeframe the order is in place from March 19, 2020 through July 5, 2020 and that any sick leave benefits must be used first.
Our members care deeply about the health and safety of their employees and have implemented additional mitigation measures to protect workers while continuing to produce, grow, pack, process and ship nutritious food during this unprecedented time.
To read the text of the executive order, click HERE. For the governor’s written statement, click HERE.
Ag Council’s joint statement with Western Growers, California Farm Bureau Federation and California Fresh Fruit Association is available by clicking HERE.
Blue Diamond & Sun-Maid Matching Donations to Food Banks through Today
In an effort to facilitate donations to feed hungry families, Blue Diamond is leading a donation drive, joined by Sun-Maid and Union Pacific, to match contributions up to $50,000 to be divided between three food banks in California.
Your dollars have a greater impact for Californians in need through this matching fund effort, and TODAY – May 8 – is the last day of the fund match.