Whether employers realize it or not, Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) currently is used in most workplace. Although AI can be tremendously beneficial in the right circumstances, it also can create significant liability for employers who do not leverage it appropriately.
Archives for December 21, 2023
Customized Workplace Violence Prevention Plans and Training Now Required
A newly-enacted law, Senate Bill 553, requires most California employers to establish and implement an effective, written workplace violence prevention plan (WVPP) containing specific information by July 1, 2024. The WVPP may be a stand-alone document, or incorporated as a separate section of an employer’s existing injury and illness prevention program. Workplace violence prevention training also is required.
Employment Law Potpourri
The pace of employment law developments can be fast and furious at the end of the year. Below are a few things you should carefully review.
Employment Law Update: A Year in Review [2023]
This year has brought considerable reform to workplace law. With 2023 coming to a close, it is time to recap this year’s legal changes and prepare for what 2024 will bring.
FordHarrison Welcomes Three Associates to its Growing Team
FordHarrison LLP, one of the country’s largest management-side labor and employment law firms, is pleased to announce that the firm recently added three Year One associates to offices throughout the U.S. including Atlanta, Hartford, and Memphis.
Washington State Adopts New, Permanent Wildfire Smoke Regulations
On December 14, 2023, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) finalized and adopted new rules focused on protecting workers from wildfire smoke hazards that take effect on January 15, 2024.
Legal Battle Simmers Over Plan to Give Farmworkers Union Rights
Alexander MacDonald weighs in on the effects of U.S. DOL regulations that seek to expand organizing protections for farmworkers on temporary visas.
Bloomberg Law
View (Subscription required.)
Chicago Paid Leave and Paid Sick Leave Ordinance Delayed to July 2024
The Chicago City Council voted on December 13, 2023, to amend the effective date of the Chicago Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance from December 31, 2023, to July 1, 2024.
The Year in Unfair Competition and Trade Secrets: 2023 Developments and What Is on the Horizon for 2024
Federal agencies are ramping up efforts to regulate and restrict the use of restrictive covenant agreements in employment. Three states passed laws in 2023 that ban or severely curtail the use of such agreements. Several jurisdictions will be increasing their minimum compensation floor for
Schuff Steel Company to Pay $500,000 to Settle EEOC Race and National Origin Lawsuit
PHOENIX – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced today that Schuff Steel Company, a steel fabrication company headquartered in Phoenix, agreed to pay $500,000 and implement companywide policy changes and prevention measures to resolve a lawsuit alleging race harassment, national origin harassment, and retaliation.
Jury Awards $41M in Discrimination, Wrongful Termination Case
A nurse recently won a $41 million jury verdict in her discrimination and wrongful termination lawsuit against Kaiser Permanente, a health care provider based in Oakland, Calif.
Strikes and NLRB Decisions Transform Labor Relations in 2023
This year was marked by big strikes by autoworkers, health care workers, teachers, and Hollywood actors and writers. It also saw major decisions from the U.S. Supreme Court and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) that will affect employers’ legal obligations with respect to unions.
New Laws Took Root in California in 2023
A slew of new laws and regulations sprang up in California this year, so employers need to pay careful attention to the changes to remain compliant.
Supreme Court, NLRB Decisions Changed Employment Law in 2023
The U.S. Supreme Court and federal agencies altered employment law in 2023, prompting HR professionals to review and revise their handbooks. The U.S. Supreme Court, in particular, dismantled affirmative action in college admissions, despite the support of many companies for affirmative action, and fortified the standard for religious accommodations.
Scripps Clinical Medical Group to Pay $6.875 Million
SAN DIEGO – Scripps Clinical Medical Group has settled an age and disability discrimination charge filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) after it subjected a class of physicians to a mandatory retirement age, regardless of the individuals’ abilities to do the job, the federal agency announced today.The