CA AB1392

Establishes a work sharing program allowing employers to reduce employee hours by 10-60% as an alternative to layoffs, with participating employees eligible for unemployment benefits equal to their percentage of hours reduction.

Creates two separate work sharing frameworks: one for plans effective before July 1, 2014 (limited to 6-month duration with no renewals after that date), and a new comprehensive program for plans effective on or after July 1, 2014 (lasting up to 12 months with potential renewal).

Requires employer written agreements and bargaining agent approval (where applicable) before employees can receive work sharing benefits, along with employer certification that health and retirement benefits continue under the same terms.

Establishes director approval process with 10 working day decision timeline, allows plan modifications and revocation for good cause, and prohibits work sharing benefits from exceeding 52 weeks or the maximum regular unemployment compensation entitlement in a benefit year.

Charges work sharing compensation to employers' experience rating accounts the same as regular unemployment compensation and allows employees to receive extended benefits if they exhaust their work sharing and regular unemployment compensation.