Author: James W. Ward

ICE Changes Form I-9 Enforcement Policy, Increasing Penalty Risk
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Posted in Form I-9

ICE Changes Form I-9 Enforcement Policy, Increasing Penalty Risk

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently revised its Form I-9 Inspection Under Immigration and Nationality Act § 274A fact sheet to take more…

Executive Order Creates New DEI Rules for Federal Contractors
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Posted in Discrimination

Executive Order Creates New DEI Rules for Federal Contractors

On March 26, 2026, President Trump issued an executive order — “Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors” — that creates new DEI-related requirements for federal…

California’s Workplace Know Your Rights Act Deadline Approaching: What Employers Must Do
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Posted in Workplace Policies

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
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Posted in Independent Contractor

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
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Posted in Workplace Safety

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
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Posted in Disabilities Workplace Policies

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
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Posted in Minimum Wage

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
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Posted in Hiring

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
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Posted in Reporting Requirements

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…

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Posted in General Harassment

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…