CA Prohibits ‘Captive Audience’ Meetings California Gov. Newsom (D) signed a bill ( SB 399 ) prohibiting businesses from requiring employees to attend employer-sponsored meetings concerning religious or political matters. The measure was one of nearly...
In at least parts of the country, unions are on the upswing. After last year’s hot labor summer , The New Yorker in April declared President Biden “ the most pro-labor president since F.D.R. ,” underscoring the rising strength of unions in America...
Cities across the country have been setting heat records all summer long. Indeed, the three hottest days on record for the entire Earth were all set in July, according to the United Nations. “Earth is becoming hotter and more dangerous for everyone, everywhere...
CA to Make Changes to Labor Law Costing Employers Billions Business and labor groups in California have agreed on changes to the Private Attorney’s General Act, a landmark state law that has allowed workers to sue employers for workplace violations amounting...
Last June a new federal law went into effect that requires companies with 15 or more employees to provide “reasonable accommodations” for workers who are pregnant or have recently given birth, or who have a related medical condition. Accommodations...
Back in November , we told you about a surge in victories by labor unions across the country, both on the picket line and in statehouses. Six months later, labor’s momentum continues—but that’s also sparked a backlash from anti-labor contingents...
States Loosening Occupational Licensing Laws In an effort to boost their workforces, states are advancing legislation to loosen their occupational licensing laws. For example, the Louisiana House passed HB 933 , which would end licensure requirements for florists...
By many if not most people’s standards, Heidi Clayton was a clear victim of workplace harassment . A member of the Atlantic City Police Department, Clayton was asked out on dates by a lieutenant, who also commented on her physical appearance and read her...
WA House Passes Bill to Give Striking Workers Unemployment Benefits Washington’s House passed a bill ( HB 1893 ) that would allow striking workers to receive unemployment insurance benefits. Sen. Karen Keiser (D), chief sponsor of companion legislation...
We told you at the end of December that the nationwide healthcare workforce crisis would remain a top issue for state lawmakers in 2024 . And indeed it is, as evidenced by a spate of new bills addressing the issue pending in state capitols across the country...
It’s still only January, but you’d be forgiven if you had a little Groundhog Day -esq déjà vu after looking at the slate of artificial intelligence bills pending in state legislatures. Early into the new year, it’s clear legislators...
MA Lawmakers to Weigh Four-Day Work Week The Massachusetts House Labor and Workforce Development Committee scheduled a hearing last week on legislation ( HB 3849 ) that would provide tax credits to businesses that join a pilot program to test a four-day work...
For more than half a year, labor strife has swept the country. First, Hollywood writers went on strike in May. Then actors joined them in walking off the set a couple months later, in July. Detroit auto workers began a series of escalating strikes in mid-September...
Actors Reach Deal with Hollywood Studios The actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA, reached a tentative contract agreement with Hollywood studios last week. In July, actors joined the strike initiated by screenwriters in May over streaming-service pay and concerns about...
Workplace violence has drawn plenty of attention from state lawmakers this year, most notably in California, where a significant measure addressing the issue was enacted. But some HR experts worry such legislation could increase employers’ liability exposure...