The Proskauer Brief: Hot Topics in Labor & Employment Law

In this episode of The Proskauer Brief, partner Harris Mufson and associate Arielle Kobetz discuss the New York City Commission on Human Rights (NYCCHR) enforcement guidance on appearance and grooming policies that ban or restrict naturally curly hair, dreadlocks, braids, cornrows and other hairstyles. While the guidance, which was issued on February 19, 2019, specifically details protections for Black people – who, according to the NYCCHR, are frequent targets of race discrimination based on hair – it also cites as unlawful “any grooming or appearance policies that generally target communities of color, religious minorities, or other communities,” which are protected under applicable law. So be sure to tune in as employers in New York City should review their current grooming and/or appearance policies to ensure compliance with these new guidelines.

In this episode of The Proskauer Brief, partner Evandro Gigante and associate Arielle Kobetz discuss the labor and employment landscape in 2019, including some significant laws set to go into effect this year, as well as other legislative developments. They will highlight cases pending before the Supreme Court and what we can expect from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Be sure to tune in for this 2019 preview.

Update: On February 25, 2019, after the recording of this episode, the U.S. Supreme Court vacated the Ninth Circuit’s decision in Yovino v. Rizo due to the death of Judge Stephen Reinhardt, stating that the appeals court should not have counted the vote of the ruling’s author because he died before the decision was issued.

In this episode of the "Can My Employees Do That?" series, partner Elise Bloom and associate Michelle Gyves discuss whether employers can lawfully limit an employee’s participation in political activities, protests, and similar activities. We also discuss whether an employer can restrict an employee’s association with groups or publications on social media or elsewhere which espouse ideologies that are at odds with the employer's values. Lastly, we will cover to what extent an employer can limit political speech at work. So be sure to tune in for this very insightful episode. 

In this episode of The Proskauer Brief, partners Harris Mufson and Guy Brenner discuss the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). Harris and Guy highlight OFCCP’s recent activities and discuss what government contractors should expect in 2019, so be sure to tune in.

In this episode of The Proskauer Brief, partners Harris Mufson and Howard Robbins continue their “Can My Employees Do That?” series. In this installment, Harris and Howard discuss the legal requirements regarding service animals in the workplace and provide practical advice for employers to address requests by employees to bring service animals to work. Please tune in to hear their insight regarding this challenging employment issue.

In this episode of The Proskauer Brief, partner Steven Hurd and partner Adam Lupion discuss developments from some of the key cases in labor and employment law in 2018. We will discuss notable cases from the United States Supreme Court and the lower courts, as well as legislative and regulatory developments that affect the workplace. Be sure to tune in for this 2018 recap of some highlights in Labor and Employment Law.

In this episode of The Proskauer Brief, partners Harris Mufson and Howard Robbins conduct the first part in a series of podcasts entitled, “Can My Employees Do That?” In this installment, Harris and Howard discuss workplace recordings and monitoring workplace emails. Please tune in to hear timely insight regarding these key employment issues. 

In this episode of The Proskauer Brief, partner Harris Mufson and senior associate Danielle Moss offer tips to help employers be proactive and avoid liability at their holiday parties. While the holidays are supposed to be the happiest time of year, many employers experience anxiety around their holiday parties. From high-level tips to state law specific training suggestions, Harris and Danielle discuss some of the ways employers can throw safe and liability-free holiday parties. So listen in and unwrap this early holiday present to allay your concerns about this important and timely topic.

In this episode of The Proskauer Brief, partner Harris Mufson and partner Allan Bloom discuss recent developments in federal overtime rules. The Trump administration recently released its fall 2018 regulatory agenda, with lots of information relating to the Department of Labor (DOL). The DOL appears to be committed to a more business-friendly regulatory framework which limits the burdens that regulations place on employers. Be sure to tune in to learn about proposed new overtime rules and their impact on employers and their employees.

In this episode of The Proskauer Brief, partner Evandro Gigante and associate Laura Fant discuss recent amendments to New York State law prohibiting sexual harassment.  The law will require employers to distribute policies prohibiting sexual harassment in the work place and implement annual training on sexual harassment.  These policies, which much be distributed by October 9, 2018, are required to satisfy certain minimum standards set by the new guidance.  In addition to the policy requirement, all employees in New York State must receive anti-harassment training on an annual basis.  Be sure to tune in and find out how employers can fulfill their obligations under this new law.