The Eighth Circuit revived a First Amendment retaliation claim filed by a police officer who said he was forced to resign over a video that criticized the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. The city’s police department created a group text…
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Building on a growing trend, a new NLRB ruling restricts the ability of employers to include confidentiality and non-disparagement clauses in severance agreements for non-supervisory employees. The board’s ruling in McLaren Macomb, 372 NLRB No. 58, reverses two Trump-era NLRB…
The debate around remote work continues as more companies like Amazon push for a return to the office, and employees desire more flexible work. However, as many benefits as remote work has – from up to 72 minutes of time…
Anyone can sue for discrimination. But winning? That’s another thing. Here’s an example of how to properly defend a claim of unlawful race bias. Duncan Giles, who is African American, was a train conductor for Amtrak. His supervisor was trainmaster…
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) continues its crackdown on FLSA violations. Last week, we told you about million-dollar payouts for wage violations. This week, it’s child labor law violations. The latest proof: Four companies recently paid civil penalties, ranging…
Breaks, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and nursing moms -- new guidance from the federal Department of Labor (DOL) helps employers make sure they are applying the rules correctly to teleworkers. In a Field Assistance Bulletin, the DOL…
Hiring for 2023 is unpredictable, to say the least. HR pros know all too well that factors like economic uncertainty and disengagement trends like quiet quitting are impacting the hiring process. But a new study from Checkr reveals that recruiters…
Attracting and retaining Gen Z workers is different from many other generations. Younger generations put a larger focus on their mental health and wellness, and create strict boundaries with work. With Gen Z workers estimated to make up one-third of…
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is serious about enforcing federal labor laws, as shown by three recent cases that resulted in million-dollar payouts by alleged offenders. The DOL’s Wage and Hour Division is responsible for enforcing federal Fair Labor…
The McDonald Oil Company agreed to pay $400,000 to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit, the EEOC announced in a press release. According to the EEOC’s lawsuit, the Georgia-based company “ignored frequent complaints from multiple female employees and customers about ongoing…
With talks swirling about recession fears and layoffs happening every day, many experts have predicted companies pumping the brakes on hiring. Many HR strategies for 2023 focus on cutting costs and retaining current employees to curb economic uncertainty and avoid…
Alaska’s highest court affirmed the denial of workers’ comp benefits for a school nurse who alleged that she suffered from PTSD after unsuccessful attempts to resuscitate a choking student. In 2014, an elementary school student ran into the school nurse’s…
Pre-pandemic times are a lot different than now. Perhaps the biggest change is the attitude around commuting and in-office work. Daily commutes and everything that dreaded drive brings along with it – from gas money to wasted time sitting in…
Picture this: You make arrangements for new employee training that aligns with your company's diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. But one employee objects to the "woke" training and asks for an exemption on religious grounds. How do you properly…
Courts understand personal judgment calls play a role in deciding about a promotion. But here’s one key thing to remember: If you’re sued for bias, a court deciding if the candidate has a leg to stand on will likely want…
A new resource document from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) provides valuable guidance relating to job applicants and employees with hearing disabilities. The guidance explains how employers can steer clear of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) violations and offers…
