Laborsphere

Key Takeaways From the 28th Annual Bernard Gottfried Labor Law Symposium

On October 19, 2023, Faegre Drinker Partner Ryan Funk gave remarks at the 28^th Annual Bernard Gottfried Labor Law Symposium, which was sponsored by the National Labor Relations Board, the Wayne State Law School, and the State Bar of Michigan. In his remarks, Funk critiqued three recent changes to the National Labor Relations Board’s remedial scheme.

Thryv, Inc.

Discussing Thryv, Inc., Funk voiced his concern that the labor law community was growing out of touch with workers, employers, and the public, and changing remedies in ways that hurt the overall mission of the agency.

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New California Laws for 2024 and Beyond: What Employers Should Know

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed several laws impacting California employers in 2023. Some of the new laws became effective immediately and others, including some that were signed into law just weeks ago, take effect January 1, 2024, or later. These new laws address several topics, including expanding paid sick leave, leave of absence for reproductive loss, minimum wage increases for fast-food restaurant employees and health care workers, restraint on trade, and workplace violence prevention standards.

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A Tale of Two Cases – DEI Programs Under Scrutiny

Last month, two courts reached different conclusions about the legality of companies’ diversity equity and inclusion programs under Section 1981. The cases display different tactics and defenses and raise questions about how different courts will respond to these kinds of claims in the future.

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Considerations for Israeli Employers During Israel-Hamas War

As a result of the recent terrorist attacks in Israel and the resulting Israel-Hamas war, Israelis continue to be called upon for active duty under Israel’s emergency call-up notice. Global employers with operations and/or employees in Israel should become familiar with the emergency orders in place and the applicable employment developments to best support their employees and comply with local obligations.

Israel’s Compulsory Military Service

Israel’s military operates under a system of reserve forces known as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Military service is compulsory for Jewish Israeli citizens over the age of 18, requiring men to serve for a minimum of 32 months and women to serve for a minimum of 24 months. After completing compulsory service, citizens are transitioned into the IDF reserves, subject to recall for active duty in times of need. Because Israel is currently under a state of emergency, an emergency call-up notice (Order 8) has been issued for the immediate enlistment of most IDF reservists to report for active duty for an indefinite timeframe.

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Employers Beware: Sudden Spike in Class Actions Under the Illinois Genetic Information Privacy Act

Common to the class actions filed this year are allegations that employers requested or required candidates to disclose their family medical histories before receiving employment offers. The plaintiffs’ bar in Illinois may be looking to use the Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA) to challenge on a class-wide basis conduct that could only be challenged under the federal Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (GINA) on an individual basis.

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Defending Litigation Attacks on DEI Programs: A Status Update

Before the Supreme Court’s ruling in Students for Fair Admissions vs. Harvard, four Fortune 150 companies were sued over their diversity, equity and inclusion, and environmental, social and governance practices. This alert provides an update on those cases.

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