About Me:

Kurt will be providing regular advice and counsel on workplace issues and labor regulations for both the public and private sector employers. He has developed presentations for employers on the current Industrial Welfare Commission Orders, Labor Code Compliance, and proper classification of employees. In addition, Kurt regularly conducts independent internal investigations for employers, and advises on the proper methods to establish compliance with the current Labor regulations.

Kurt is currently an active member of the Eureka Rotary Club in Eureka, was Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the Saint Bernard’s Catholic Schools Board of Directors, a Board member of the Northcoast Employers Advisory Council, and Regional VP for the California employers Advisory Council

Kurt has been a frequent speaker on employment Law topics before numerous employer groups on the Northcoast. Kurt graduated from the Pacific Lutheran University School of Business Administration in 1971, receiving a Bachelor of Business Administration. Kurt graduated from Long Beach City College with an Associate of Arts Degree in 1969. Kurt also attended Lincoln Law School in San Jose for two years in 1978 and 1979

Kurt has gained experience working in retail management for a large Southern California Department Store chain, in law enforcement, and as a sole proprietor, prior to his employment with the State of California. During his time with the State of California, Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Standards Enforcement; Kurt has worked as a Special Investigator, Senior Special Investigator, and Deputy Labor Commissioner for the Division of Labor Standard Enforcement in the city of San Jose, Oakland, Napa, and Eureka for 30years before retiring. During this time, he worked in the enforcement, adjudication, and administration of the California Labor Laws, Industrial Welfare Commission Orders, and Discrimination Statutes under the California Labor Code.

Kurt is the principle in Barthel & Associates Consulting, specializing in Wage and Hour Laws for California and Oregon and Human Resources Solutions for small businesses.