Workplace Rules

In this episode, Chris and Kristie discuss recent EEOC developments under Chair Andrea Lucas, including the agency's focus on DEI programs and religious discrimination claims. They examine new telework accommodation guidance for federal workers, clarifying that quality of life concerns and general anxiety don't automatically qualify for ADA accommodations. The hosts also cover enforcement actions...

In this episode, Chris and Emmy discuss the recent U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and U.S. Department of Justice guidance on DEI-related discrimination, its implications for employers, and its effect on programs like employee resource groups and DEI trainings. The episode provides practical insights into navigating the complex and evolving legal considerations surrounding DEI practic...

In this episode, Alex and Adrienne discuss Perkins Coie’s newly published sixth edition of  Labor Law Today—Year in Review , which summarizes the past year’s most noteworthy and influential developments in traditional labor law. They delve into key topics such as the overturning of the captive audience ban, constitutional challenges to the NLRB's structure, the impact of artificial intelligence on...

In this episode, Ann Marie and Chris explore labor and employment law topics under the upcoming Trump administration in 2025. They delve into the surprising pick for Labor Secretary, how labor policies are expected to change, what the new administration means for tech and AI, and what attacks on DEI are on the horizon.

In this episode, Linda and Neela explore the critical topic of sexual harassment outside the physical workplace, focusing on the case  Okonowsky v. Garland . The discussion centers around how online harassment can create a hostile work environment and emphasizes employers' responsibility to investigate such complaints thoroughly. Furthermore, Linda and Neela highlight the necessity of establishing...

This podcast episode features Chris Wilkinson and Sopen Shah discussing the significant impact of the Loper Bright  decision, which eliminated  Chevron  deference, on employment and labor law. The speakers delve into the implications of this decision on agency rulemaking at both federal and state levels and how it may change the way regulated parties interpret regulatory authorities. They also exp...

In this episode, Ann Marie and Chris discuss what employers might expect in the run-up to the 2024 election regarding labor and employment law changes. They explore the impact of the Biden administration’s regulations including an extensive discussion of the FTC’s noncompete rule, the potential implications of the 2024 election, and the influence of unions on the election.

In this episode, Kristie and Allison discuss how the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) scrutinizes agreements with employees under the whistleblower protection rule. Their conversation focuses on the SEC’s enforcement efforts against employers based on agreements with their employees, with a particular emphasis on confidentiality agreements and their potential to impede whistleblowers.

In this episode, Chris and Jeremy analyze a recent Supreme Court decision affecting anti-discrimination laws,  Muldrow v. City of St. Louis  case. They discuss how this ruling expands the scope of "adverse actions" in the employment context and its impact on workplace policies and diversity efforts. The episode offers crucial insights for employment lawyers and human resource professionals alike,...

In this episode, James and Heather discuss the recent updates to Washington state's non-competition laws, which took effect on June 6, 2024. They explore the implications for employers and employees and consider the impact of an FTC rule that bans most non-competes. Key topics include the stricter scrutiny and enforcement of non-competes, revised definitions, and the effects on employee mobility a...

Earlier this year, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued its Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) Final Rule , which has recently gone into effect. In this episode, Emily and Lara discuss the PWFA, covering the background, provisions, and implications of the law.

In this episode, Chris and Shannon explore the Davis-Bacon Act and the Service Contract Act. Listen as they cover the implications of these regulations for federal contractors and gain valuable insights into the crucial considerations that contractors must be aware of to maintain compliance.

The Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council recently issued a  Proposed Rule  that would require pay transparency in federal contracting. In this episode, Chris and Jeremy discuss the proposed rule in detail. They cover the implications of the rule, the current landscape of pay equity law, and the steps federal contractors may want to take to prepare for this rule.

In this episode, Shylah and Kristie discuss the implications of “no-poach” agreements from an antitrust perspective. They explore the U.S. Department of Justice’s approach toward such agreements, the criminal consequences attached, and how companies have been reacting. Further, they delve into the importance of antitrust compliance training for human resources professionals and other employees.

In this episode, Chris Wilkinson updates listeners on federal and state regulation of artificial intelligence (AI). Chris discusses his article published in  Bloomberg Law  titled "Employers, Take Notice as the DOL Crafts White House AI Mandates," in which he explains the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) new responsibilities under President Biden’s AI executive order addressing such issues as disc...

In part two of our series on how Americans' views of corporations are changing, Senior Counsel Chris Wilkinson is joined by Perkins Coie's persuasive communications advisor, Senior Litigation Consultant Karen Lisko , to discuss how these views are playing out in the courtroom. Karen provides insights into the impact of public perception of corporations on jury decisions, shares strategies for corp...

A new law recently took effect in Washington that changes the way employers should conduct drug tests. In this Episode, Emily and Margo explain the new law, who is affected, and what steps employers may want to consider to ensure they are complying with this new law.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently issued a final rule imposing stricter criteria for companies to classify workers as independent contractors. This rule, effective as of March 11, 2024, deviates from the previous administration's interpretation of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and may result in more lawsuits related to misclassification. These lawsuits, if filed as collective actio...

Get a preview of the fifth edition of Perkins Coie’s Labor Law Today—Year in Review report in this latest podcast episode. The speakers delve into the National Labor Relations Board and its general counsel’s aggressive employee-friendly actions; explore summaries of influential decisions like McClaren McComb, Cemex, and Stericycle; and unravel the notable uptick in strike activity. Listen to this...

Join Kristie, Paul, and Jill as they discuss several recent employment law developments in Arizona and how they may impact employers.

With the 2023 California legislative year closed, we are ready to summarize the new legislation that will affect businesses operating in the state and highlight related action items. Join us as Heather, Brittany, and Katelyn discuss key labor and employment topics from the 2023 legislative session.

Certain employers may feel the impact of recent modifications to the I-9 process, while all employers will be affected by the introduction of a new I-9 form. Eligible employers have the option to use an alternative verification method to virtually authenticate I-9 documents for their employees who were previously onboarded remotely due to COVID-19 accommodations. In addition, a new edition of Form...

In this episode, Heather and Matt discuss Senate Bill 699 and provide tips on what actions employers may want to take to best serve their companies. The law, which takes effect on January 1, 2024, prohibits employers from enforcing contracts that are void under California Business and Professions Code Section 16600, even if the contracts were signed outside of California. The law also establishes...

Increasing adoption of video and automated technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), in employment practices has prompted regulatory efforts. Lawmakers are now addressing growing concerns that these technologies, including advanced resumé screening software, interview video analysis algorithms, and employee surveillance devices, may perpetuate bias and lead to unfair outcomes. In this epis...

In addition to ensuring returns for investors, American corporations are tasked with navigating a host of social, political, and economic hot button issues—and polls have reflected some success on this journey. In this episode of Workplace Rules , Senior Counsel Chris Wilkinson and Ani Huang, CEO of the Center On Executive Compensation and senior vice president at the HR Policy Association, discus...