State-level employment regulation continues to evolve in California independently of broader federal enforcement priorities. On October 12, 2025, California enacted the Workplace Know Your Rights Act (S.B. 294) intended to “equip workers with knowledge of their rights that they can also use to protect their families, neighbors, and communities at a time of potential disruption, dislocation, and fear for many Californians.” The Act contains five primary requirements.
Continue Reading California Employers Face February 1 Deadline Under Workplace Know Your
Rights Act

Ohio has adopted a new workforce verification law that will directly affect many construction companies operating in the state. Beginning March 19, 2026, certain construction employers will be required to use the federal E-Verify system for new hires. Because the law carries meaningful penalties and applies broadly across the construction supply chain, contractors should begin preparing now.
Continue Reading Ohio’s New E-Verify Requirement: What Nonresidential Construction
Contractors Need to Know

Effective January 1, 2026, the Illinois Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA), as recently amended, now prohibits employers from disciplining employees for using company-issued technology such as phones, laptops, or tablets to record evidence of domestic, sexual, or gender-based violence, whether inside or outside of the workplace. 
This change in the law immediately puts many employers at odds with their own “no-recording” and “acceptable use” policies, which often prohibit any form of recording on company property or devices. Navigating conflicting policies and avoiding liability under VESSA will require employers to exercise extreme caution.
Continue Reading VESSA’s Expanded Recording Protections: What Illinois Employers Must Do Now

In the Spring of 2025, the Illinois Department of Labor filed a lawsuit against a union contractor alleging violations of the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act. The Department’s lawsuit alleged that work performed by the contractor on the Projects fell within the prevailing wage classification of Electrician, as opposed to the classification of Carpenter.
On December 18, 2025, the Department determined and agreed that the work the contractor performed on the Projects could properly be classified under the Carpenter classification. As the solar energy industry continues to evolve in Illinois, industry contractors (union and non-union) must become intimately familiar with the…
Continue Reading Installation of Solar Panels is NOT Exclusively Electrician Work under the
Illinois Prevailing Wage Act – So Capitulates the Illinois Department of
Labor

Illinois recently enacted amendments to the Illinois Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act (“IRPWA”).  The amendments became effective on December 12, 2025, immediately upon the governor’s signature.
Continue Reading Amendments to Illinois Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act: Immediate
Obligations for Employers Receiving “No-Match” Letters

On December 18, 2025, the U.S. Senate approved President Trump’s nominees, James Murphy and Scott Mayer, to serve as members on the National Labor Relations Board (Board). With the additions of Murphy and Mayer, the Board regains a quorum and can now officially act and adjudicate unfair labor practice charges and representational cases under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). 
Continue Reading NLRB Regains a Quorum and New General Counsel takes the Reins

As OSHA inspections continue to take place throughout the U.S., employers across industries need to be prepared to respond. An inspector’s arrival onsite can be disruptive and stressful, particularly if supervisors and frontline staff are unsure of what to do or say in the moment. The steps outlined below are designed to help employers navigate an OSHA inspection from the moment an inspector arrives, underscoring the importance of preparation as a key component of an effective workplace compliance strategy.
Continue Reading OSHA Inspection Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide for Employers When an
Inspector Arrives

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and workers’ compensation come with complex obligations for employers and HR professionals. Join Heather Bailey for an informative webcast on understanding the requirements and interactions of FMLA, ADA, and workers’ compensation in the U.S. workplace.
Continue Reading Breakfast Briefing Series: Staying Afloat in the 'Bermuda Triangle':
Insights on FMLA, ADA, and Workers' Compensation

W-2s and 1099s will not have new fields this year, but the IRS has now provided guidance on how employees can still claim tax deductions for tips and overtime pay.
Continue Reading IRS Announces 2025 Documentation Workarounds for Tips and Overtime
Deductions (Notice 2025-69)

A strong workers’ compensation defense strategy begins long before a claim is filed. After all, an unexpected claim can costly regardless of industry. Strategic and proactive measures to prevent accidents coupled with an understanding of how to manage the claims that do arise are indispensable tools for businesses.
In a recent webcast, two of our workers’ compensation attorneys shared their insights and best practices to help employers confidently manage claims and achieve favorable outcomes. Here are three key takeaways from their presentation. 
Continue Reading Key Takeaways – Prevention to Resolution: Managing Workers’ Compensation
Claims With the End in Mind

Register today to join Labor & Employment partners Craig Papka and Sara Zorich for a timely Breakfast Briefing presentation on navigating employee wage and hour requirements and investigations.
Continue Reading Register Now for Breakfast Briefing Series: Wage & Hour Check-Up: Is Your
Payroll Practice Keeping Up?

Several changes impacting employers in jurisdictions across the nation on the federal and state level are summarized in our latest federal and state employment law update.
Continue Reading Federal and State Employment Law Update

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency charged with the administration of federal workplace laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, recently regained a voting quorum. As a result, the agency can now enact sweeping policy changes in line with President Trump’s second term agenda. Employers can expect increased scrutiny of DEI practices and an increase in charges surrounding religious accommodations.  
Continue Reading EEOC Regains Quorum: What Employers Can Expect