Author: James W. Ward
California’s Workplace Know Your Rights Act Deadline Approaching: What Employers Must Do
Remember, under California’s new Workplace Know Your Rights Act, employers have until March 30, 2026, to provide their employees with the opportunity to designate emergency…
U.S. DOL Proposes Changes to Federal Independent Contractor Rule
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently announced a proposed independent contractor rule rescinding their 2024 rule and returning the federal independent contractor analysis to…
Cal/OSHA Releases Proposed Workplace Inspection “Walkaround” Rule
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) recently published a proposed rule broadly defining who may accompany Cal/OSHA representatives during workplace safety inspections….
EEOC Issues Remote Work Accommodations Guidance
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently issued guidance addressing remote work accommodations. Though the guidance is directed toward federal agencies, it may be instructive…
Minimum Wage for Certain Federal Contractors Will Increase May 11, 2026
On February 9, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced that the minimum wage for federal contractors covered by Executive Order 13658 will increase…
Recent Case Highlights Need for Employers to Strictly Comply with Background Check Rules
A California Court of Appeal recently ruled that job applicants and employees can recover a statutory sum when an employer violates California’s background check rules…
CRD Updates Pay Data Reporting Resources
It’s that time of year again for certain California employers. The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) has updated its pay data reporting resources. Covered employers…
EEOC Withdraws Workplace Harassment Guidance
On January 22, 2026, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) voted 2-1 to rescind its Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace, which was…
DOL Opinion Letters Address FMLA Questions About Travel Time and Temporary Closures
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently issued two opinion letters addressing employer questions under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) regarding whether time…
H-1B Visa Updates: New Selection Rules, $100k Fee Withstands Legal Challenge
On December 23, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it was amending regulations governing the H-1B visa selection process, moving from a…
