Employment & Labor
Workplace law, discrimination, labor relations, and workforce regulation
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.
AI-drafted employment contracts spark legal concerns for employers
Experts warn that AI-generated employment contracts often miss key legal provisions and local compliance, exposing companies to real enforcement, liability, and regulatory risks.
California Driver Group Sues Uber for Prop 22 Violations
Rideshare Drivers United sues Uber, alleging violations of California's Proposition 22, raising key questions for gig worker classification and compliance by app-based companies.
Ninth Circuit Reverses Ban on Aya Healthcare Employee Arbitrations
The Ninth Circuit reversed a district court, clarifying arbitration enforcement for California employers and stressing the need for individualized consent under the FAA.
Virginia Bill Would Delay Labor Board, Shift Rules on Paid Leave
Governor Spanberger's amendments to Virginia labor law propose a two-year delay of the labor board and new paid sick leave rules, impacting unions and employer compliance.
Virginia Adopts Sweeping Noncompete Ban Effective July 2026
Virginia's new law bans most noncompete agreements for all employees after July 2026, requiring employers to review practices or face penalties. Key compliance points for in-house counsel.
Maryland Set to Ban Employer 'Captive Audience' Meetings
Maryland's SB 417 proposes a ban on employer-mandated political or religious meetings, joining a dozen states with similar employee protection laws. Legal, HR teams take note.
Virginia Tightens Noncompete Rules With New Law Effective July 2026
Virginia enacts SB 170, adding stricter limitations on noncompete agreements and new enforcement penalties. Legal teams must update compliance by July 1, 2026.
Virginia Tightens Noncompete Rules, Adds Severance and Healthcare Worker Protections
Virginia enacts new laws barring noncompetes for healthcare professionals and requiring severance for enforceable agreements, signaling stricter employment contract rules.
K&L Gates Sued for Firing Manager Soon After Disability Leave
A former K&L Gates IT manager alleges wrongful termination and a hostile work environment linked to her disability leave, raising compliance questions for BigLaw HR leaders.
Alabama Clinic Faces Sex Discrimination Complaint Over Transgender Firing
A federal sex discrimination complaint alleges anti-trans bias at an Alabama clinic treating federal workers, highlighting evolving workplace and compliance risks for healthcare employers.
Sixth Circuit Narrows ERISA's Scope in Union Conflict Cases
A recent Sixth Circuit ruling limits the preemption of labor law by ERISA, impacting employer strategies during union disputes.
Illinois Court Invalidates Arbitration Agreement Over Flaws
An Illinois court's ruling against an arbitration agreement signals potential pitfalls for employers regarding contract enforceability.
EEOC Settles $500K Case Over Discrimination Allegations
Planned Parenthood Illinois settles EEOC discrimination probe for $500K, highlighting risks in managing DEI programs.
Hospitality Turns to Second-Chance Hiring Amid Labor Crisis
U.S. hospitality industry explores second-chance hiring to tackle over 1 million job shortages driven by immigration policies.
California Pay Disclosure Law Challenges Employers
California's new pay disclosure law mandates employers to show salary ranges in job ads, impacting hiring and compliance strategies.
DLA Piper Faces April 2026 Trial for Pregnancy Discrimination
DLA Piper's trial over the firing of a pregnant associate begins April 2026, spotlighting legal risks for firms in employment discrimination management.
HRW Sounds Alarm on Gulf Migrant Worker Safety
Human Rights Watch warns of increased risks for Gulf migrant workers amid ongoing regional conflicts, urging protective measures.