Labor Law Updates

Keeping you current on the ever changing labor laws

DOJ Shakes Federal Consensus on Gender Identity Discrimination

Those who hoped that the new administration would bring “certainty” for employers are probably a bit disappointed right now, as the most recent move from the federal government raises more questions about protections for transgender employees under federal law. On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released a memo which resets federal policy on Read more

minimum wage

In the last few days, several states tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) have officially announced their 2018 minimum wage rates. CPI is a measure of the average change in prices of goods and services purchased by households over time. Each year, these states adjust their minimum wage rates for an increase in the Read more

Last month, Illinois amended its Human Rights Act (IHRA) (775 ILCS 5/) to clarify the protection of employees’ sincerely held religious beliefs in the workplace. Individuals were already protected from discrimination based on religion but the amended statute, known as the “Religious Garb Law” (SB 1697), makes certain protections more explicit. The new law prohibits Read more

Canadian Labour Law Posters Updated

Earlier this year, five Canadian provinces increased their minimum wage rates. Now, the other five will follow suit with wage increases to ranging from 15 cents to $1.40. Alberta’s minimum wage workers will see the largest jump as the second in a series of scheduled increases brings the rate towards $15.00 per hour. New Minimum Read more

Federal Contractor Minimum Wage Rate Increases January 1, 2018

The US Department of Labor has announced the 2018 minimum wage rate required by Executive Order 13658. The Executive Order (EO) establishes a minimum wage requirement for Federal contractors and subcontractors. Each year, the U.S. Secretary of Labor determines the EO minimum wage rate based on the annual increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Next January, Read more

Family-friendly Washington State

This was a good year for working moms and their families in Washington State. Over the next two years, Washington is ushering in several new laws that will be particularly beneficial to pregnant workers. Two new leave laws, the Paid Sick Leave law  (operative Jan. 1, 2018) and the Paid Family and Medical Leave law Read more

Connecticut Labor Law Poster

The Connecticut Department of Labor has released a new mandatory workplace poster for employers. During the 2017 legislative session, Governor Dannel Malloy signed H.B. 6668, enhancing existing anti-discrimination protections for pregnant employees. Under the law, which goes into effect October 1, 2017, an employer with more than three employees must provide accommodations for an employee Read more

Maine Court Debates Medicaln Weed and Workers' Comp

The Maine Supreme Court began hearings last week to determine whether medical marijuana treatment should be considered reimbursable under a workers’ compensation claim. Although Maine instituted its medical marijuana program in 1999, this is the first time the superior court has addressed how the law interacts with the state‘s workers’ compensation law. Medical marijuana is Read more

September is National Preparedness Month!

Each September, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) launches the National Preparedness Month campaign. The goal of the campaign is to increase the number of individuals, families, and communities that engage in preparedness for emergencies at home, work, business, school, and place of worship. In the last few weeks, we have seen how devastating natural Read more