Author: James W. Ward

U.S. Supreme Court Updates Federal Religious Accommodation Test
3917
Posted in Discrimination

U.S. Supreme Court Updates Federal Religious Accommodation Test

On June 29, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously revised Title VII’s religious accommodation and “undue hardship” analysis — the first decision to address the…

Supreme Court Rules Employer Can Sue Union for Intentional Damage During Strike
2848
Posted in Labor Relations

Supreme Court Rules Employer Can Sue Union for Intentional Damage During Strike

On June 1, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled — in a near unanimous 8-1 opinion — that the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) doesn’t…

3241
Posted in COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Health and Safety

EEOC COVID-19 Guidance Updated as Federal COVID-19 Emergency Ends

On May 15, 2023, following the end of the national COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Declaration, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) updated its long running…

4083
Posted in Discipline Labor Relations

NLRB Restricts Employers’ Ability to Discipline Employees for Outbursts

On May 1, 2023, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a decision, Lion Elastomers LLC II, that could make it more difficult to discipline…

Labor Contractor Employee Pay Data Report Deferral Available
3027
Posted in Reporting Requirements

Labor Contractor Employee Pay Data Report Deferral Available

This year, large employers must submit their California pay data reports by May 10, 2023 — a deadline that is quickly approaching. However, the California…

2978
Posted in Independent Contractor

California’s Worker Classification Law Legal Challenge Partially Revived

On March 17, 2023, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals partially reversed a district court’s order denying a preliminary injunction and dismissing a legal challenge…

2913
Posted in Independent Contractor

Court Upholds Most of Proposition 22

Worker classification laws continue to evolve in California — the latest is a California Court of Appeal decision upholding most of Proposition 22’s provisions while…

5304
Posted in COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Workplace Safety

CDPH, Cal/OSHA Update COVID-19 Order, Guidance

On March 3, 2023, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) updated its COVID-19 public health order and guidance following the end of the COVID-19 State…

4440
Posted in Meal and Rest Break

California Court Rules Good Faith Belief Avoids Waiting Time, Wage Statement Penalties

A California Court of Appeal recently ruled that an employer’s good faith belief that it was complying with state wage and hour laws precluded the…

severance agreement
6195
Posted in Labor Relations

NLRB Restricts Use of Confidentiality, Non-Disparagement Provisions in Severance Agreements

On February 21, 2023, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued an important decision that may affect employers’ use of confidentiality and non-disparagement clauses in…