On August 2, 2023, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued the Stericycle, Inc. decision, creating a new standard for scrutinizing employer “work rules”. Work rules can consist of company handbooks, policies, and procedures. This decision specifically addresses employer work rules that could reasonably be construed as restricting employees’ rights to engage in activities protected under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), like unionization or openly discussing wages or benefits. Employers should carefully review their handbooks, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with this decision and prepare for potential challenges.
Running a business is all about your people. They're the heart and soul of your operation, the driving force behind your success. But there's a twist – a tricky one. The legal landscape surrounding HR and employment is like a constantly shifting maze. If you're a business owner, you've probably felt the challenge of keeping up with the ever-changing rules and regulations. Laws vary from state to state, and they seem to morph faster than you can say "compliance." It's a tough nut to crack, no doubt, but it's a challenge you need to conquer.
Over the last two decades, obesity levels in the United States have been on the rise along with a growing concern of discrimination based on weight in the workplace. As a result, states and local governments are starting to take action. In Washington, it is therefore illegal for employers to refuse to hire qualified potential employees because the employer perceives them to be obese.
Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) is a new federal law that provides expanded protections for pregnant workers to seek reasonable accommodations through their employer.
The WA CARES Act makes long-term care accessible to all workers in Washington State. The program is funded through payroll taxes collected by the state. Participation in the program is mandatory for Washington workers unless they applied for an exemption by November 1, 2021. The plan benefits are anticipated to be available to workers in July 2026 and will cover long-term care services such as professional care, equipment, home safety evaluations, and compensation for family members who provide care.
Prohibiting nondisclosure and nondisparagement provisions from employers regarding illegal acts of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour violations, and sexual assault.
Washington State has recently amended its 2018 Equal Pay and Opportunities Act to include new amendments that improve pay transparency and provide more information to job applicants. As of January 1, 2023, Washington State employers with at least 15 employees are required to disclose the “wage scale or salary range” for each job posting to both employees... View Article
On October 31st, the flexibility in completing I-9 forms remotely will expire and employers will once again need to conduct an in-person inspection of the documents. Additionally, the traditional I-9 form will be presented in a new format that will compress sections one and two to reduce paper.
The people of your organization are one of the most important and one of the riskiest aspects of business. The laws are state specific, and they change frequently. Employers are held to a high legal standard and entrepreneurs often aren’t fully aware of the risks associated with employment compliance. It’s hard for business leaders to keep up, but it’s critical to do so. In this post, Equinox Business Law CEO and Founder, Michelle Bomberger looks at how the three key legal infrastructure tools can work to protect the business from employment risks.
