EEOC Publishes Proposed PWFA Rule & Seeks YOUR Comments

On August 11th, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) published a proposed rule to implement the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

As drafted, the rule provides greater rights for individuals impacted by pregnancy than those with disabilities or men with comparable, short-term medical conditions.

Do Your Handbook Policies Keep Employees Out in the Cold?

On August 2nd, the National Labor Relations Board issued a decision changing (again!) the way they will determine whether an employer's policy violates the National Labor Relations Act.

Examples included policies on Electronic Communications, Personal Conduct, Conflict of Interest, and more.

NLRB Strikes Again!

An Employee's "Griping" May be Protected Activity

On August 25th, the NLRB issued another ruling against an employer.

During an all-hands meeting, an employee was publicly “griping.” Eight days later, the employee was fired for texting during his work time.

So, there were (at least) two questions. Was the employee’s “griping” at an all hands meeting NLRA protected activity; and (2) if so, was his firing in retaliation for that protected activity?

EEOC Issues Guidance on Visual Disabilities in the Workplace

On July 26th the EEOC published another guidance in a series addressing particular disabilities in the workplace. This guidance addresses how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to job applicants and employees with visual disabilities.

The guidance includes at least six topics and some key reminders for employers.