Author: James W. Ward
California Labor Commissioner Issues Immigration Compliance Reminders
The California Labor Commissioner recently reminded California employers about California’s immigration laws and protections, highlighting that they protect every worker in the state — regardless…
U.S. Supreme Court Issues ‘Reverse Discrimination’ Decision
The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that members of a majority group claiming workplace discrimination do not need to meet a heightened evidentiary standard to…
California CRD’s New Age Discrimination Fact Sheet
To coincide with California Governor Gavin Newsom’s proclamation that May is Older Californians Month, the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) published a new fact sheet…
Federal Court Vacates EEOC’s Abortion Accommodation Requirement
On May 21, 2025, a federal court in Louisiana vacated a portion of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) regulations,…
2024 EEO-1 Data Collection Now Open, Closes June 24
On May 20, 2025, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced the opening of the 2024 EEO-1 Component 1 data collection. Employers have until…
U.S. DOL Reconsiders Independent Contractor, Overtime Rules
On May 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a field assistance bulletin stating it intends not to enforce its 2024 independent contractor…
Executive Order Seeks to Eliminate Disparate Impact Discrimination Liability
Through executive actions, President Trump has issued orders addressing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, federal contractor minimum wage and affirmative action obligations, among many others….
Prospective Meal Period Waivers Are Valid
In a recent case, a California Court of Appeal handed employers a rare win, finding nonexempt employees’ written prospective meal waivers — meaning employees signed…
Employers Don’t Have to Provide Indefinite Leave of Absence as Accommodation, Court Reaffirms
Managing leaves of absence — like those related to the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and pregnancy disability leave…
EEOC Issues DEI Guidance
On March 19, 2025, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued two technical assistance documents intended to educate the public about unlawful discrimination related to…
