Employment & Labor
Workplace law, discrimination, labor relations, and workforce regulation
California Jury Awards $105M in Workplace Harassment Retaliation Case
A San Diego jury awards $105 million to a former Acadia Healthcare employee for retaliation after reporting workplace harassment, signaling greater employer risks.
Fifth Circuit Reverses Sanctions Mandating Religious Training for Southwest Lawyers
The Fifth Circuit reversed sanctions forcing Southwest Airlines' lawyers to attend religious training, limiting courts' power over personal belief-based sanctions.
Connecticut's CART Act Sets AI Hiring Disclosure Rules by 2027
Connecticut’s CART Act mandates employers disclose AI use in hiring by October 2027, shaping transparency in employment decisions.
NJ Court Rules Streamate Performers Are Independent Contractors Federally, Employees Statewide
A NJ federal court ruled that Streamate performers are independent contractors under federal law but employees under New Jersey law, affecting gig economy labor classifications.
Illinois Delays AI Employment Notice Rules Until After 2026
Illinois has postponed AI employment notice rule enforcement originally scheduled for January 2026, giving employers more time to comply.
Canadian Teachers Urge Against Using Notwithstanding Clause in Labor Disputes
Canadian Teachers' Federation urges governments to avoid using the notwithstanding clause amid rising constitutional conflicts in labor rights.
Tennessee Bans Non-Competes for Workers Earning Under $70K
Tennessee's new law limits non-compete agreements for employees earning below $70K, effective July 2026, reshaping employer contract practices.
Virginia Expands Paid Sick Leave and Family Leave Protections
Virginia enacts broad reforms extending paid sick leave and launching a Paid Family and Medical Leave program, including protections for domestic violence victims.
7th Circuit Upholds Dismissal Over LinkedIn Posts in Coast Guard Uniform
The Seventh Circuit affirmed dismissal of a Coast Guard Auxiliary officer for inappropriate LinkedIn posts made while in uniform, clarifying military conduct boundaries.
DC Circuit Blocks Pentagon’s Transgender Soldier Expulsions, Cites Unconstitutionality
The DC Circuit Court ruled the Pentagon’s ban on transgender soldiers unconstitutional, halting removals but upholding recruit restrictions.
NJ Appellate Court Lets Job Seekers Sue for Cannabis Discrimination
New Jersey's appellate court clarifies that job applicants and employees can sue employers for cannabis-related discrimination under CREAMMA.
US Foods Faces Class Action for Misusing $13M in 401(k) Forfeitures
US Foods sued over $13M in 401(k) forfeiture misuse; legal debate over forfeiture application impacts fiduciary duties and employee benefits litigation.
Connecticut enacts sweeping workplace law reforms impacting employers
Connecticut’s new Public Act 26-12 reforms workplace laws including wage disclosures, joint liability, and AI hiring rules, effective Oct 2026–Jan 2027.
Supreme Court Expands Arbitration Exemption to More Transportation Workers
The Supreme Court clarified that FAA arbitration exemptions include transportation workers even outside traditional transport firms, impacting employment disputes.
New Jersey Finalizes ABC Test Rules for Worker Status from Oct 2026
New Jersey's Department of Labor adopts clear ABC test regulations effective Oct 1, 2026, redefining employee vs. contractor classification.
FTC Warns Employers on Risks of Enforcing Noncompete Agreements
FTC Chairman Ferguson issues warning letter highlighting legal risks for employers enforcing noncompetes amid increased regulatory actions.
Colorado Revamps AI Law Impacting Employer Use of Automated Decision-Making
Colorado's new AI law, effective Jan 2027, changes employer obligations on AI use in consequential decisions, focusing on transparency and compliance.
Supreme Court Limits Extensions on Supervised Release for Absconders
The Supreme Court ruled that supervised release terms don't automatically extend if defendants abscond, clarifying drug test policy implications and workplace law.
D.C. Circuit Revives Professor's Defamation Suit Over NAS Harassment Allegations
A D.C. Circuit ruling lets Professor Castillo Butters proceed with a defamation case against the National Academy of Sciences related to sexual harassment allegations.
Federal Judge Blocks Phoenix Cop’s Reinstatement Amid First Amendment Lawsuit
A federal judge denied reinstatement to a fired Phoenix police sergeant suing for alleged First Amendment retaliation, spotlighting tensions between free speech and law enforcement conduct.