California has an odd lawmaking system, and nothing exemplifies that more than the fight over independent contractor status of app-based drivers. The issue has gone from the legislature to the courts, back to the legislature, then to the ballot box, and now again to the courts.

Workers' compensation serves as the "exclusive remedy" for employees claiming benefits arising out of a work injury (if there's no other nonemployee third party responsible for the injury). The Wisconsin Supreme Court recently explained an employee's secondary injury, namely a self-inflicted gunshot wound, following a work injury where he was gored by a bull, was also subject to the Act's exclusive remedy provision. Read on for the interesting facts of the case as well as some guidance on the Act's exclusive remedy provision.

On September 2, 2021, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) issued a notice (https://bit.ly/3CCFbl2) announcing it intends to analyze the EEO-1 Component 2 compensation data submitted by employers in 2019. The Component 2 data consists of aggregated employee wage and hours worked data, categorized by EEO-1 classification, race, ethnicity, and sex. The OFCCP will now evaluate whether the data can aid the agency in investigating potential pay discrimination—a priority under the Biden administration—and selecting contractors for compliance evaluations.

Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) mandated periods of paid leave (short and long) for qualifying employees and offset the employer’s expense with a payroll tax credit. Ever since the FFCRA expired in December 2020, many states have debated enacting permanent, obligatory paid leave programs. In an attempt to balance the benefits of paid leave programs with New Hampshire’s more laissez-faire policy instincts, the state has adopted a first-in-the-nation voluntary paid leave program for companies and individuals alike.

The U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) recently appealed a California federal district court judge’s decision to throw out their equal pay lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF).

New England Computer Services, Inc. (NECS), a Connecticut-based software company, must pay a total of $233,655 to three female workers for pay discrimination and retaliation.

COVID-19 had an immediate impact on the workplace by shifting employees from the office to the home. Even though active numbers of infections are subsiding, we’re beginning to see the pandemic may have a lasting effect on the workplace and how, where, and when people work. The crisis also has opened up new opportunities for employees to work remotely. With current labor shortages in mind, you may want to revisit your benefit plans and decide whether to expand them in the post-COVID-19 world to retain and attract new talent. Here are some benefits you may be thinking about or may want to consider.