With immigration enforcement intensifying under a second Trump administration, U.S. employers should prepare for heightened inspections and potential raids. The administration’s early 2025 actions signal a strong focus on workplace compliance, following promises of the “largest deportation program in American ...
Read More »New York poised to mandate AI-related layoff disclosures
New York may become the first state in the nation to require employers to disclose when artificial intelligence (AI) played a role in mass layoffs. Governor Kathy Hochul announced that she will direct the New York Department of Labor to ...
Read More »Mass. court: Unauthorized workplace recordings admissible
A Massachusetts trial court judge has ruled that employers may use recordings obtained in violation of the state’s wiretap statute as evidence in civil proceedings, a decision that could impact workplace privacy and employment litigation. The ruling came in Simpson ...
Read More »New ACA laws ease reporting burdens, penalty risk
Some recent changes in Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting and penalty rules have brought welcome relief to employers. Two new federal laws, signed by former President Joe Biden, ease certain ACA reporting burdens and enhance protections for employers. Here are ...
Read More »Supreme Court clarifies burden of proof in FLSA employer exemption cases
In a recent decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that employers asserting exemptions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) need only meet the “preponderance of the evidence” standard rather than the more demanding “clear and convincing evidence” standard. ...
Read More »Executive orders issued on DEI, employment law
President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders upon beginning his term as president that will have a significant impact on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and employment law enforcement. Here is a review of the key actions: ...
Read More »Airline settles anti-Asian discrimination case for $99,000, plus miles
United Airlines has agreed to pay $99,000 to settle a federal discrimination case involving anti-Asian harassment at its Denver catering operation. The settlement resolves allegations that the company failed to properly investigate racial harassment against a Mongolian American employee. The ...
Read More »AI company sued for wage theft, misclassification
A class action lawsuit file in San Francisco Superior Court alleges that Scale AI, a $13.8 billion AI development company, misclassified workers as independent contractors in violation of California labor laws. The complaint, filed by former worker Steve McKinney, targets ...
Read More »California’s workplace speech law challenged in federal court
The California Chamber of Commerce and Restaurant Association have filed a federal lawsuit challenging a new state law that restricts employer-sponsored mandatory meetings about religious or political matters, including union organizing efforts. The law took effect January 1, 2025. The ...
Read More »OSHA mandates proper fit for construction PPE
OSHA has issued a final rule requiring construction industry employers to ensure personal protective equipment (PPE) properly fits workers. The regulation, which takes effect January 13, 2025, aims to enhance worker safety. The rule explicitly mandates that PPE—including hard hats, ...
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