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Category: Employment Law

California and New York Become First Two States to Ban Natural Hair Discrimination

California and New York Become First Two States to Ban Natural Hair Discrimination

On July 3, 2019, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 188, known as the CROWN (Creating a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair) Act. The law, which takes effect January 1, 2010, is the first in the country to ban discrimination on the basis of hair texture, hair style, and other “traits historically associated with one’s race.” The law provides that individuals with dreadlocks, braids, cornrows, or other traditionally black hairstyles cannot be discriminated against on the basis…

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New York Expands Workplace Sexual Harassment Protections

New York Expands Workplace Sexual Harassment Protections

In June 2019, the New York legislature passed a first-of-its-kind law that radically expanded protections for individuals who suffer harassment at work. Prior to the passage of the law, an employee suing for sexual harassment in New York had to demonstrate that the harassment was “severe or pervasive.” The new law eliminates this standard—now virtually any sex-based harassment can form the basis for a claim of discrimination against an employer, as long as the harassment is more than a petty…

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Election Day: Do I Get Time off Work to Vote?

Election Day: Do I Get Time off Work to Vote?

By Aaron Hotfelder If you haven’t already cast a ballot through your state’s early voting process, you might be wondering whether you’ll get time off work to vote on Election Day. In most states, workers receive at least a couple hours off to cast a ballot—unless they have enough time to vote during nonworking hours. Whether hours taken off to vote are paid or unpaid depends on the state. For example, Colorado allows up to two hours of paid time off,…

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Immigration Officials Expected to Continue Wave of Workplace Raids

Immigration Officials Expected to Continue Wave of Workplace Raids

Earlier this month, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials descended upon dozens of 7-Eleven stores nationwide in an attempt to identify and remove workers who are in the country illegally. In total, 21 arrests were made. This was part of a continuing investigation into the franchise stores dating back to 2013, when several managers were charged with using stolen identities to hire undocumented workers. A pattern of increased enforcement is expected to continue throughout the year. ICE Director Tom Homan…

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Minimum Wage Increases in 2018

Minimum Wage Increases in 2018

At the start of 2018, the minimum wage increased in 18 states. A few states will increase their minimum wages later in the year. The federal minimum wage has remained steady at $7.25 for many years. However, as the cost of living rises in many areas, several states have passed laws upping their minimum wages in recent years. Many cities and counties have done the same, with some areas inching towards a $15 minimum wage. Employers must pay the highest…

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