State Legislatures Ramp Up Protections Against Sexual Harassment
Almost one year ago, the #MeToo Movement took us by storm when men and women across the country began speaking out about their experiences of sexual harassment and abuse. Countless lawsuits have been filed, hundreds of stories have been told, and multiple public figures have been brought down since the #MeToo Movement’s rise on social and public media. In the midst of all of the controversy, many state legislatures and state agencies have taken affirmative steps toward minimizing sexual harassment in the workplace.
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2018 Employment Legislation Summary
In its 2018 session, the General Assembly passed a number of new laws affecting employers. Except as otherwise noted, the changes are effective October 1, 2018. The following material summarizes these new laws, but the specific provisions should be reviewed in the context of specific situations. These new statutes are available online through the
General Assembly Passes Bill Prohibiting Salary Inquiries of Job Applicants
Over the weekend, the General Assembly approved a bill prohibiting employers, including the state and its political subdivisions, from asking, or directing a third-party to ask, about a prospective employee’s wage and salary history.
The measure now moves to the Governor’s office for his signature.
The prohibition does not apply in two situations:
- if the
Tip Sharing: Budget Law Amends FLSA and Derails DOL Action
Last week, the federal government passed its new budget proposal, which included an amendment of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to protect the rights of tipped workers. Prior to this law, tip sharing rules were governed by DOL wage and hour regulations.
The new law is in direct opposition to a proposed Department of
New “PAID” Program Allows Employers to Resolve FLSA Violations and Avoid Penalties
The Trump administration has already reversed or changed several positions taken by the Department of Labor (DOL) under the Obama administration. That trend continues with the DOL’s announcement of the forthcoming Payroll Audit Independent Determination (PAID) program, which will provide employers with an important opportunity to work with the DOL’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD)
Massachusetts Changes the Landscape for Pay Equity and Pregnancy Accommodations
For those of you with employees in Massachusetts, you need to be aware of two significant changes with respect to pay equity and pregnancy accommodations. These changes also serve as a reminder to employers that they need to stay focused on disseminating and enforcing policies on harassment of all kinds.
On April 1, 2018, the
Can a Legislature Really Change a Collective Bargaining Agreement?
We talk today about whether it’s all that easy to change the terms of a collective bargaining agreement. Is it just as easy as a vote? Or does it require something more? The answer has implications for all employers.
With all of the talk about the financial difficulties faced by the government, I, and others
2017 Employment Legislation Summary
In its 2017 session, the General Assembly passed a number of new laws affecting employers. Except as otherwise noted, the changes are effective October 1, 2017. The following material summarizes these new laws, but the specific provisions should be reviewed in the context of specific situations.
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Legislative Update: Pregnancy Discrimination Protections Under State Law Changing?
On Tuesday, May 23rd, the Connecticut House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a measure that would greatly expand the already broad anti-discrimination provision that exist under Connecticut law. The bill, House Bill 6668, would make several substantive changes to the protections including defining what is a “reasonable accommodation” instead of leaving that determination open.
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