Author: James W. Ward

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
6039
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
6427
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…

5127
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…

3761
Posted in FMLA/CFRA General

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…

8558
Posted in Hiring

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…

Labor Commissioner Publishes Workplace Know Your Rights Model Notice
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Posted in Posters and Notices

Labor Commissioner Publishes Workplace Know Your Rights Model Notice

The California Labor Commissioner has published the model notice required under California’s new Workplace Know Your Rights Act, which took effect January 1, 2026. Employers…

Federal Court Largely Suspends California’s New Labor Law
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Posted in Labor Relations

Federal Court Largely Suspends California’s New Labor Law

On December 26, 2025, a federal court temporarily blocked major provisions of a new California labor law that would have given the California Public Employment…

New 2026 Employment Laws Reminder
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Posted in General

New 2026 Employment Laws Reminder

Happy New Year! 2026 is here, and California employers know what that means — new employment laws just took effect. Here’s a quick reminder of…