This is the eighth installment in a series of articles intended to provide the reader with a very high-level overview of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act of 1970 and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and how both influence workplaces in the United States. By the time
Archives for August 7, 2024
DHS Updates STEM Designated Degree Program List for 24-Month STEM OPT Extensions
On July 23, 2024, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) added the category of Environmental/Natural Resource Economics (03.0204) as a qualifying field of study to the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. DHS did not add or remove any other Classification of Instruction Programs (CIP) code or field from
Michigan Supreme Court Voids Existing Minimum (Cash) Wage and Paid Sick Leave Laws and Revives Old Laws
The Michigan Supreme Court has ordered a “do-over” of sorts by reviving old laws regulating minimum wage, tip, and paid sick leave. Changes to the minimum wage and tip rules will go into effect on February 21, 2025, but a number of questions remain.
U.S. Continues Patchwork of Comprehensive Data Privacy Requirements: New Laws Set to Take Effect Over Next 2 Years
Twelve new state comprehensive data privacy laws are set to go into effect over the next two years as the United States continues to catch up to foreign jurisdictions like the European Economic Area (EEA), making a total of nineteen such state laws enacted to date.
Massachusetts Adopts Pay Transparency and Reporting Requirements
Massachusetts has enacted a new law imposing pay transparency and pay data reporting obligations on employers in the state. The law will take effect on July 31, 2025.
Fifth Circuit Remands ESG Rule in First ERISA Test Case Post-Chevron
In its recent decision in State of Utah v. Su, the Fifth Circuit remanded a challenge to the Department of Labor’s (DOL) environmental, social, and governance (ESG) rule for investing in defined contribution retirement plans after the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo. In Loper Bright,
Escaping the “Upside Down” – Halting Florida’s Stop WOKE Act
Two years ago, Florida became the center of widespread media attention with its enactment of a new law, which set out to curb training and teaching relating to inclusion, equity, and diversity (“IE&D”). Since then, there has been a battle in the courts as to the validity of the legislation
A Wave of Lawsuits Under Daniel’s Law
In 2020, Daniel Anderl, the son of Federal Judge Esther Salas, was shot and killed by a man targeting the judge. It is believed the man found the judge’s home address online. In reaction to the murder, New Jersey enacted “Daniel’s Law” which prohibits the disclosure of the home address
Damage Control: Illinois Enacts Amendment to the State’s High Risk Biometric Information Privacy Act
On August 2, 2024, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed into law Senate Bill 2979 (the “Amendment”), implementing long-awaited, highly anticipated reform to the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). The Amendment is a milestone in the broader ongoing effort to resolve BIPA’s vague statutory language and courts’ expansive interpretations of
What is the impact of Muldrow v. City of St. Louis on discrimination claims under Title VII?
Charlotte IHOP to Pay $40,000 in EEOC Religious Discrimination and Retaliation Suit
CHARLOTTE, N.C. –Suncakes NC, LLC, a North Carolina-based company, and Suncakes, LLC, a Texas-based company doing business as IHOP (collectively “Suncakes”), will pay $40,000 and provide other relief to settle a religious discrimination and retaliation lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency announced today.
[Podcast] Power At Work Blogcast #55: Inside the Movement: Jaz Brisack on Starbucks Unionizing and the Future of Organizing
In this blogcast, Burnes Center for Social Change Senior Fellow Seth Harris is joined by Jaz Brisack, one of the original Starbucks union organizers, and the co-founder of the Inside Organizer School. Listen now to hear an inside perspective on union organizing, Jaz’s origins in organizing, the successes in unionizing
The Supreme Court Is Demolishing Decades of Precedent on Workers’ Rights
This piece was originally published in Truthout. Power At Work has republished it with permission. Truthout is a vital news source and a living history of political struggle. If you think our work is valuable, support us with a donation of any size.
The U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) ended
4 Ways Unions Make Our Economy and Democracy Stronger
This piece was originally published on the Center for American Progress. Power At Work has republished it with permission.
Unions are a critical force in American society, ensuring that everyday Americans can earn decent pay and benefits and have a voice in our democracy. Study after study has shown that
17 Team-Building Activities for In-Person, Remote, and Hybrid Teams
Employees with strong relationships at work are more creative, collaborative, and likely to stay with their organization.