Beauty Experts Take an In-Depth Look at Salon Labor and Wage Laws in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Professional Beauty Association (PBA), the largest and most inclusive national trade organization representing manufacturers, distributors, salon and spa business owners, and licensed beauty professionals, hosted the second annual California Compliance Symposium on Monday, March 8th. Moving to a virtual format in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Symposium brought together leading industry experts to review and discuss California labor and wage law, employee classification, business compliance, and a state legislative update.
Topics covered included key issues facing the industry such as forms of compensation in an employee-based establishment, compliant booth rental establishment, the difference between hourly, piece rate and commission forms of pay, occupational licensing updates, employee classification, IRS updates and information, post COVID pandemic compliance, workplace health and safety within the salon, and the availability of business loans and grants.
“In addition to the obvious challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, business owners in our industry have experienced a number of recent changes to California labor and wage laws,” explains Professional Beauty Association’s Government Affairs Director Myra Reddy. “We want our members to be aware of all the pandemic recovery resources available to them and to help them operate compliant and successful businesses. By hosting events like our California Symposium, we can share clear and correct information regarding complex issues.”
Helping to shed light on these complex issues were esteemed industry experts April McDaniel of Kopsa Otte CPA's & Advisors who spoke about Tax Changes, Branden Butler of the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing who provided guidance on Employment Compliance, and Heather Luzzi of the US Small Business Administration who advised on Loan and Grant Information.
“Licensed beauty professionals are craving facts and information like never before to get through these uncertain times,” shares Erin Walter, PBA Membership Brand Manager. “The California Compliance Symposium was a rare opportunity to bring together a cross-section of experts in their various fields to guide our members and provide them with the tools and knowledge to tackle complex issues facing the industry.”
Rounding out the speakers were Mike Belote, President of President, California Advocates; Daniel J. Muller, Partner with Ventura Hersey & Muller LLP; Kristy Underwood, Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing; Kristen Deazeley and Dawn Harris with the IRS; Karie Bennett, Owner of Atelier Salons; and Von A. Boyenger, Senior Deputy Labor Commissioner with the California Department of Industrial Relations.
According to PBA Executive Director Steve Sleeper, “The COVID-19 pandemic has presented the beauty industry with innumerable challenges, especially in the state of California. As the industry’s leading resource and advocate, we are honored to bring together such an esteemed group of experts to shed light on critical business issues and legislation.”
To learn more about the California Compliance Symposium or its speakers, visit probeauty.org/symposium.