The Beltway Buzz is a weekly update summarizing labor and employment news from inside the Beltway and clarifying how what’s happening in Washington, D.C., could impact your business.
Archives for May 12, 2024
New York’s Retail Workplace Violence Prevention Bill Continues to Make Progress
New York State Senate Bill S8358B, also known as the “Retail Worker Safety Act,” is picking up steam as it progresses toward being enacted into law. On May 9, 2024, the bill was amended for a second time and re-referred to the Senate Labor Committee for further evaluation. The bill
Senators Introduce Bill to Improve Safety for Warehouse Workers
On May 2, 2024, Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Bob Casey (D-PA), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) introduced the Warehouse Worker Protection Act, legislation that would limit production requirements for warehouse workers and the disciplinary measures that employers may impose for failures to meet those limits. It also proposes
Reconsidering Repayment Agreements with Foreign Employees
It is not unusual for employers to require foreign employees to sign repayment agreements that require the employee to repay some or all required immigration process costs if the employee terminates employment before the end of the contract term. Employers often use the contracts as a deterrent to employees leaving
CBP Proposes Changes to Arrival and Departure Record, ESTA Systems
Since 2004, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been working on improving the systems used to document the entries and exits of nonimmigrants to and from the United States. There is no comprehensive easy-to-use system in place to collect exit data, although there are ways to report departure that
FMLA Doesn’t Shield Employee From Dismissal Due to Misconduct Prior to Leave Request, District Court Rules
On April 29, 2024, in McBeath v. City of Indianapolis, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana granted summary judgment in favor of the City of Indianapolis on a plaintiff’s claims for Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) interference, FMLA retaliation, and race discrimination under Title VII
California Supreme Court Rules Employer Can Avoid Penalties for Good-Faith Wage Reporting Violation
On May 6, 2024, the Supreme Court of California held that when an employer “reasonably and in good faith” believes it complied with California’s legal requirement to provide accurate wage statements and it does not, the employer does not do so “knowingly and intentionally,” and therefore employees cannot recover statutory
DOL’s Wage and Hour Division Issues New Guidance on Employers’ Use of AI
On April 29, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) published new guidance clarifying employers’ obligations under federal labor laws as they pertain to use of automated systems and artificial intelligence (AI).
FTC Issues Final Rule Banning Non-Compete Agreements
What is Happening?
On April 24, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) voted to adopt a final rule (available here) that, if it goes into effect, will ban nearly all non-compete agreements as “unfair methods of competition.” It would also ban any contractual term or workplace policy that would
The DOL’s New Guidance for AI and its Impact in the Workplace
By: The DOL’s New Guidance for AI and its Impact in the Workplace
By: The DOL’s New Guidance for AI and its Impact in the Workplace
By: The DOL’s New Guidance for AI and its Impact in the Workplace
In this monthly series brought to you CDF’s Wage and Hour Taskforce, we will
CDF Webinar: California Arbitration Agreements: Clarity Amid Complexity
Arbitration agreements are useful tools for California employers, but they are replete with potential dangers. An employer contemplating using arbitration in the workplace must evaluate whether it should be mandatory, the language for class action waivers and the severability of individual PAGA claims, the federal prohibition on arbitration of sexual assault claims, and the arbitration rules and forum. All of these factors may impact the expense and effectiveness of this tool.
Join CDF partners Amy S. Williams and Dan M. Forman as they delve into the intricacies of California arbitration agreements in the employment context. With a deep understanding of employment law, they recognize the necessity of staying informed amidst the ever-evolving landscape of workplace regulations. Together, they will unravel the nuances of arbitration agreements and provide you with the insights needed to help make well-informed decisions for your organization.
During this comprehensive webinar, CDF will explore the following key topics as they relate to employment:
An overview of arbitration agreements in California
Legal requirements and essential considerations for crafting enforceable arbitration agreements
The advantages and disadvantages of arbitration agreements for employers
Recent developments and impactful case law shaping arbitration agreements in California
Best practices for the implementation and enforcement of arbitration agreements within your organization
Don’t miss out on this invaluable opportunity to gain insights and strategies from our seasoned employment defense attorneys at CDF. Whether you are an HR professional, in-house counsel, or business owner, this webinar promises practical guidance for navigating the complexities of arbitration agreements in California.
Secure your spot today by registering now.
1-hour CA MCLE, SHRM and HRCI credit pending.
Gov’t Enforcement Concerns Employers, Littler Report Finds
Michael Lotito and Denise Visconti discuss key findings from Littler’s 2024 Annual Employer Survey Report.
Law360
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Pandemic-Based Workplace Restructuring Persists, Employers Say
Devjani Mishra discusses the pandemic’s ongoing impact on the workplace revealed by key findings from Littler’s 2024 Annual Employer Survey Report.
Bloomberg Law
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More Workers Seek Mental Health Accommodations, Creating Vexing Legal, HR Decisions for Firms
Devjani Mishra discusses findings from Littler’s 2024 Annual Employer Survey Report that show an increase in workplace requests for leaves of absence or other accommodations for mental health.
Corporate Counsel
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Punching In: EEOC Brings Harassment Guidance to Virtual Spaces
James Paretti says curbing harassment in virtual workspaces could prove challenging for employers because by nature, online harassment makes it harder for them to figure out what’s going on.
Bloomberg Law
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