As previously reported here, earlier this year a federal district court in Texas issued a preliminary injunction preventing the Department of Labor (“DOL”) from enforcing the new Persuader Rule, which was to go into effect as of July 1, 2016. Last week, the court issued a ruling converting its preliminary injunction into a permanent
NLRB Revises Back Pay Formula
In a 3-1 ruling, the National Labor Relations Board (“Board”) recently revised its back pay formula and radically departed from its traditional remedy for compensating employees who have been unlawfully terminated. The Board’s ruling now supports employees’ rights to recover search-for-work and interim employment expenses, regardless of whether the employees have interim earnings and regardless
DFEH Releases New Guidance Regarding Transgender Employees
The Department of Fair Employment and Housing (“DFEH”) recently issued new guidance for employers to prevent discrimination against transgender employees, who are protected under California’s Fair Employment & Housing Act (“FEHA”). Since 2012, FEHA protection has been extended to include gender identity and gender expression categories, and defines “gender expression” to mean a “person’s gender-related appearance and behavior whether or not stereotypically associated with the person’s assigned sex at birth.” The DFEH’s new brochure, called “Transgender Rights in the Workplace” (available here), makes clear that employers must allow transgender employees access to restroom, shower, locker room and other such facilities that correspond with their gender identity. It also suggests that providing individual or unisex restrooms, where possible, can enhance privacy for all employees.
Continue Reading DFEH Releases New Guidance Regarding Transgender Employees
Ninth Circuit Allows EEOC To Obtain Private Employee Information During Investigations
The Ninth Circuit recently held that during an EEOC investigation, employers can be forced to produce “pedigree information” (i.e., name, telephone number, address, and Social Security number) of their employees or employment applicants. The decision broadens the scope of information that the EEOC can obtain during its investigations and gives the EEOC further grounds to investigate beyond what is arguably “necessary” to make a determination on an EEOC charge.
Continue Reading Ninth Circuit Allows EEOC To Obtain Private Employee Information During Investigations
California Legislature Attempts to Ban Employment Arbitration Regarding Labor Claims
On August 31st, the California Legislature passed a new bill (AB 465) to ensure that waivers of employment rights and procedures, often through arbitration agreements, are made voluntarily and not as a condition of obtaining or keeping employment. As the Wall Street Journal recently reported, the number of companies using arbitration agreements in the workplace