Employment & Labor
Workplace law, discrimination, labor relations, and workforce regulation
OSHA Sets November 2026 Deadline for Updated Hazard Communication Compliance
Employers must update labels, training, and hazard programs by Nov 2026 under OSHA’s revised Hazard Communication Standard based on GHS Revision 7.
USCIS Denies Many Nurse Visa Applications Over License Issues
USCIS is denying numerous nurse visa applications citing state license issues amid a nursing shortage and visa processing freezes.
Tesla racial discrimination trial starts in California, runs through October
Tesla's racial discrimination trial begins in Alameda County, highlighting risks for workplace compliance. Trial runs Sept 21–Oct 30, 2026.
UK employment tribunal claims hit record highs in mid-2026
UK employment tribunal claims surged to historic highs in mid-2026, challenging employers and legal advisors managing labor law risks amid regulatory changes.
NLRB GC Issues Memo 26-04 Clarifying Employer Duties and Enforcement
NLRB General Counsel Crystal Carey issued GC Memo 26-04 in August 2026 clarifying employer obligations and enforcement priorities under labor law.
AI Hiring Tools Spark New Legal Risks for Employers and HR
Rising litigation over AI-assisted hiring pressures employers and legal advisers to address bias and discrimination risks amid growing regulatory scrutiny.
DOL Issues New Guidance on Mental Health Parity Enforcement
The Department of Labor released FAB 2026-03 clarifying enforcement of mental health parity under federal law, impacting employers and legal compliance.
Court Upholds $7.8M Verdict for Employees Fired Over COVID-19 Vaccines
A federal court upheld a $7.8M verdict for BART employees fired for religious COVID-19 vaccine refusal, highlighting employer risks and legal precedent.
New York Requires Employers to Give Workers Access to Their Personnel Files
New York's new law, effective Nov 8, 2026, mandates employee access to personnel records within 5 business days of request.
Federal employees sue USDA over forced relocations and attrition
Federal employee unions sue USDA challenging forced relocations violating Administrative Procedure Act, impacting agency workforce and programs like SNAP and WIC.
DHS Tightens I-9 Rules and Expands E-Verify Reporting
DHS updates increase I-9 substantive violations and extend E-Verify reporting, raising employer compliance and penalty risks in 2026.
Second Circuit Rejects NLRB Deference on Workplace Dress Codes
Second Circuit rules against NLRB's 2022 Tesla framework, impacting dress code policy enforcement and union insignia display rights.
New AI Laws Impose Employer Duties on Hiring and Workplace AI in 2026
In 2026, new AI laws in multiple states require employers to disclose AI use, prevent bias, and comply with distinct rules for hiring and workplace AI.
OFCCP Ends Disability Self-ID and 7% Utilization Goal for Contractors
OFCCP removes disability self-identification and rescinds the 7% utilization goal for federal contractors effective late 2026, impacting affirmative action compliance.
Arizona Supreme Court to Decide ASU Professor’s Standing in DEI Lawsuit
Arizona Supreme Court will rule on ASU professor's legal standing in DEI training lawsuit, potentially shaping enforcement of DEI policies in public universities.
First Circuit Rules on Retaliation Risks During Employee Offboarding
The First Circuit's Russo decision highlights new retaliation risks during employee separations, urging employers to review offboarding practices.
EEOC Updates Strategic Plan to 2030 to Bolster Discrimination Prevention
The EEOC announced its updated Strategic Plan for 2026-2030, focusing on enforcement, prevention, and organizational excellence to address workplace discrimination.
Judge Rules Trump-Era Farmworker Wage Cuts Illegal
Federal court strikes down Trump administration's pay cuts for migrant farmworkers, impacting labor and immigration compliance.
Ninth Circuit Upholds Concrete Religious Accommodations for COVID-19 Vaccine Exemptions
The Ninth Circuit requires employers to provide concrete accommodations for COVID-19 vaccine religious exemptions, clarifying Title VII obligations.
PA Federal Court Allows White Employee’s Discrimination Suit to Proceed
A Pennsylvania federal court lets a white employee's racial and disability discrimination claims against Equis Research move forward, highlighting legal risks in diversity policies.