On February 16, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a public forum to examine its proposed rule to ban non-compete agreements.
H1B Registration: A Lottery of Sorts
An H1B visa or status is available for “specialty occupations,” those that require theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and the attainment of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent as a minimum requirement to perform the job duties.
Biden Administration Sets New Course on ESG Investing in Retirement Plans
In late 2022, the Department of Labor finalized a new rule titled “Prudence in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights,” largely reversing Trump-era guidance that had strictly limited the ability of plan fiduciaries to consider “environmental, social, and governance” (ESG) factors in selecting retirement plan investments and generally discouraged the exercise of proxy voting.
Heidingsfelder Presents on OSHA’s Outdoor and Indoor Heat Hazards Program
Jane Heidingsfelder, a partner in the Labor & Employment Practice Group, presented “Heating Things Up: OSHA’s National Emphasis Program On Outdoor And Indoor Heat Hazards” at the EHS Management Institute “Leveraging Fresh Insights On Safety And Sustainability Processes To Accelerate Impact And Drive Business Value Across The Organization” Conference from January 22–24.
Comment Period for FTC’s Proposed Ban on Non-Compete Agreements Ends March 20 — The Time to Act Is Now!
On January 5, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking essentially banning non-compete clauses and categorizing them as unfair methods of competition.
Lewis Quoted on Recent Trader Joe’s Union Organizing
Sid Lewis, partner and leader of the Labor & Employment Practice Group, was quoted in the Grocery Dive article “Trader Joe’s workers launch unionization drive in Louisville, Kentucky” on December 21, 2022. Given that nationwide only a very small percentage of stores are currently unionized, Sid noted that it will probably be difficult for the union, Trader Joe’s United, to win better conditions for the workers it represents over what the grocer currently provides to its non-unionized employees.
Culotta Published on HRLaws.com
Jason Culotta, a partner in the Labor & Employment Practice Group of the New Orleans office, published the article “THC you at trial: Wrongful termination claim over CBD oil use avoids dismissal” on HRLaws.com. He provides a rundown of a recent opinion by the US District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana which ruled that a jury was needed to decide a case after an employer terminated a disabled employee for failing a drug test because of her lawful CBD oil use and what it means for employers dealing with medicinal marijuana-related accommodations.
Comment Period for FTC’s Proposed Ban on Non-Compete Agreements Ends March 10 — The Time to Act Is Now!
On January 5, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking essentially banning non-compete clauses and categorizing them as unfair methods of competition.
Jones Walker Elects 8 New Partners and Strong Board Leadership
Jones Walker LLP is pleased to announce the firm has elected eight new partners and elected Ryan Johnson and reelected Aileen Thomas to its board of directors for four-year terms, effective January 1, 2023.
Jones Walker Continues Commitment to Diversity with Two Significant Initiatives
LCLD Pledge and Mansfield Certification Process
Legal Challenges the FTC Faces in Light of Proposed Ban on Non-Compete Agreements
On January 5, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking essentially banning non-compete clauses and categorizing them as unfair methods of competition.
New Federal Laws Require Additional Protections by Louisiana Employers for Pregnant Workers and Nursing Mothers
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, signed into law by President Biden on December 29, 2022, enacted two laws providing protections to pregnant women and nursing mothers in the workplace: the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act).
How the FTC’s Proposed Ban on Non-Compete Agreements Could Affect Your Business
On January 5, 2023 the Federal Trade Commission released a Notice of Proposed Rule that would essentially ban all non-compete agreements between employers and employees.
Lewis Quoted in Restaurant Dive on Starbucks Union Contract Race
Sid Lewis, a partner and leader of the Labor & Employment Practice Group, was quoted in two Restaurant Dive articles, “The Starbucks union’s contract fight is a race against time” and “Union proposals at odds with Starbucks’ contract goals”. In the articles, Sid discusses the current state of Starbucks’ union’s contract battle and outlines important details for employers and management during union contract negotiations.
Culotta Presents on Mississippi Medical Marijuana Law Compliance
Jason Culotta, a partner in the Labor & Employment Practice Group, gave a presentation on medical marijuana to the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi during their biannual HR meeting on October 31, 2022. Jason gave attendees an update on federal and Mississippi laws governing medical marijuana usage and provided tips on how to maintain compliance.
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