Employment & Labor
Workplace law, discrimination, labor relations, and workforce regulation
HRW Pushes ILO for Global Gig Worker Protections Ahead of June Treaty Talks
Human Rights Watch urges binding international labor protections for gig workers in a new report as ILO treaty negotiations approach, impacting global legal frameworks.
Judge Approves $50M Settlement in Black Google Workers' Bias Suit
A federal judge has approved a $50M settlement resolving discrimination claims from over 4,000 Black Google employees, spotlighting ongoing racial bias issues in the tech industry.
Virginia and Maine Set 2026 Effective Dates for Pay Transparency Laws
New pay transparency laws in Virginia and Maine take effect July 2026, bringing new compliance obligations for employers on salary disclosures and pay history.
EEOC Files Reverse Discrimination Suit Against New York Times
The EEOC alleges the New York Times denied a white male editor a promotion due to race and gender, raising questions about DEI policy limits for corporate employers.
Connecticut Approves Sweeping AI and Workforce Legislation
Connecticut passes Senate Bill 5, enacting broad AI regulations and workforce requirements that will affect employer compliance and innovation policies across the state.
Long DACA Renewal Delays Leave Dreamers, Employers in Limbo
Surging DACA renewal delays are leaving Dreamers without legal status or employment, raising legal and compliance concerns for U.S. companies and counsel.
Kentucky Case May Decide DOL’s Power to Seek Punitive Damages for FLSA Retaliation
A Kentucky federal court case could clarify if the Department of Labor can pursue punitive damages for retaliation under the Fair Labor Standards Act—an issue with major compliance implications.
OSHA Sharpens Heat Enforcement as New Standards Near
OSHA ramps up enforcement of heat hazards in 55 high-risk industries as federal heat safety rules approach implementation. Law firms and employers face changing compliance risks.
Ontario Over-50 Layoffs Trigger Tougher Severance and Legal Scrutiny
Ontario employers face stricter termination, severance, and anti-discrimination rules when laying off employees over 50. Recent legal guidance and cases raise new compliance risks.
Virginia Bans Salary History Questions, Mandates Pay Ranges in Job Listings
Virginia employers must stop asking about salary history and disclose pay ranges in job postings under new laws signed by Gov. Spanberger, effective July 1, 2026.
DOJ Can't Block Maurene Comey Lawsuit Over Political Firing, Judge Rules
A federal judge ruled DOJ cannot move Maurene Comey's wrongful termination suit to administrative court, letting her allege political bias in federal court.
Virginia Bans Most Noncompetes for Healthcare and Discharged Staff in 2026
Virginia will ban most noncompete agreements for healthcare professionals and employees fired without cause starting July 1, 2026. Employers face new compliance risks and penalties.
Supreme Court to Review Migrant Farmworker Penalty Dispute
The Supreme Court will decide whether migrant farmworker penalties from the Department of Labor should be heard by administrative judges or in federal court—a ruling with major impact on labor law.
DOL Unveils Joint Employer Rule, Targeting Workplace Liability Clarity
The U.S. Department of Labor's proposed rule redefines joint employer status, reshaping employer liability and compliance for businesses engaging contract and supply chain labor.
New Guide Urges Trauma-Sensitive Interviewing in Workplace Investigations
A new guide released April 23, 2026 urges employers to adopt trauma-informed interviewing in workplace investigations, highlighting legal and compliance risks for HR and legal teams.
FTC Escalates Enforcement on Noncompetes After Rollins Crackdown
The FTC is ramping up enforcement on employers’ noncompete agreements, as seen in its recent order against Rollins, Inc., impacting HR policies and litigation strategies.
MrBeast Company Sued by Ex-Exec for Harassment and Retaliation
Lorrayne Mavromatis sues MrBeast’s Beast Industries for alleged harassment, discrimination, and wrongful firing after returning from maternity leave.
Virginia Tightens Noncompete Laws With Sweeping 2026 Amendments
Virginia's new law, effective July 1, 2026, makes noncompete agreements unenforceable for employees fired without cause unless severance is paid, and bans post-termination noncompetes in franchises.
Ninth Circuit Enforces NLRB Ruling on Concrete Firm's Union-Busting
The Ninth Circuit enforced an NLRB order against a concrete company for union-busting, reinforcing labor protections and setting precedent for employment law practitioners.
States enact new laws targeting AI in workplace surveillance
Colorado, Texas, and Illinois pass new laws in 2026 to regulate workplace AI and monitoring, raising compliance stakes for employers and legal counsel.