A Partnership Built on Trust and Transformation Mike Powers, owner of Alliance Partition Systems LLC, engaged with Equinox just before heading off to a conference overseas. Little did he know, the COVID-19 pandemic would take hold while he was away. As the shutdowns started and uncertainty loomed, from halfway around the world, Mike leaned into... View Article
Oregon has enacted HB 4127, also known as the Warehouse Worker Protection Act, which takes effect on January 1, 2025. The new law introduces critical protections for warehouse workers, particularly those working under strict quotas in e-commerce and large distribution centers. Key Provisions of the Oregon Warehouse Worker Protection Act – Transparent quota requirements: Employers... View Article
This article was originally published in Equinox Business Law’s website on June 7, 2018 as “Updates to Washington’s Equal Pay Act Go Into Effect”. On March 28, 2024, Governor Jay Inslee signed into law Substitute House Bill 1905, broadening the scope of Washington’s Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (EPOA). Since 1943, the EPOA prohibited sex- and gender-based... View Article
On August 20, a federal judge in Texas struck down the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) rule that would have banned noncompete agreements nationwide. This ruling has significant implications for both employers and employees across the United States. U.S. District Judge Ada Brown ruled that the FTC does not have the authority to implement a sweeping... View Article
The 2024 Paris Olympics is a remarkable showcase of athletic prowess and international unity. Gold medal athletes have reaped the rewards of their intense training, all within the confines of strict rules set by sports federations and the Olympic Committee. Similarly, for businesses to win against the competition, they must follow strict rules set out... View Article
Time rounding is designed to streamline payroll calculations benefitting both employers and employees. The Department of Labor and Industries in Washington has historically permitted this practice, provided it adheres to a strict neutrality policy. The rule is clear: any rounding must not favor the employer. In instances where bias is evident, the scales must tip... View Article
Are we still talking about hybrid vs. remote vs. in-person workplaces? Yes, we are! The decision on workplace setups might seem settled, but with a couple of years of post-pandemic experience, we’re now seeing what people really want and need. The reality is workplace preferences vary widely. Some team members prefer to be in the... View Article
Navigating the new era of noncompete agreements is crucial for businesses, as regulatory demands for transparency are rapidly increasing. States like California, Washington, and Oregon have significantly restricted noncompetes, and the FTC has approved a nationwide ban, pending legal challenges. Multi-state employers must understand the complex interplay of federal and state laws to remain compliant. With noncompetes becoming less viable, alternative strategies such as non-disclosure agreements, confidentiality provisions, and robust trade secret management are essential to protect business interests. Employers must proactively adapt to these changes to ensure compliance and safeguard their competitive edge.
Now is the time to review your employment documents and identify any provisions that may be classified as noncompete provisions that will contravene the new Washington law and the federal Rule. Assess the potential risks these changes pose to your business and consider alternative risk management tools to safeguard your business interests. Make necessary changes to documents and processes to ensure compliance with Washington’s law. Compile a list of current and former employees impacted by the new federal Rule and be prepared to modify your documents again to comply with the Rule, should it come into effect.