Workplace Rules

In this episode, Kristie and Elena discuss EEOC enforcement trends for 2026, comparing the agency's stated priorities—including DEI-related discrimination, anti-American bias, women's sex-based rights, and religious liberty—with the lawsuits being filed. They highlight why disability accommodation cases account for the largest share of enforcement actions, despite not being a named priority. The hosts examine two lawsuits against Hotel Equities Group and Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast, discussing failures to provide pregnancy and religious accommodations and DEI-related exclusion claims. They also address employer questions on retaining DEI programs, managing visa-sponsored employees, and the most important compliance step employers can take.

In this episode, Chris and Kristie discuss recent EEOC developments under Chair Andrea Lucas, including the agency's focus on DEI programs and religious discrimination claims. They examine new telework accommodation guidance for federal workers, clarifying that quality of life concerns and general anxiety don't automatically qualify for ADA accommodations. The hosts also cover enforcement actions against Coca-Cola and Planned Parenthood related to DEI practices, highlighting the agency's shift toward individual discrimination cases.

In this episode, Chris and Emmy discuss the recent U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and U.S. Department of Justice guidance on DEI-related discrimination, its implications for employers, and its effect on programs like employee resource groups and DEI trainings. The episode provides practical insights into navigating the complex and evolving legal considerations surrounding DEI practices.

In this episode, Alex and Adrienne discuss Perkins Coie’s newly published sixth edition of Labor Law Today—Year in Review, which summarizes the past year’s most noteworthy and influential developments in traditional labor law. They delve into key topics such as the overturning of the captive audience ban, constitutional challenges to the NLRB's structure, the impact of artificial intelligence on labor laws, and the potential changes under the new Trump administration. Listen to learn more about these developments, the surprises we've already seen, and a glimpse into what the future of labor law may hold.

In this episode, Ann Marie and Chris explore labor and employment law topics under the upcoming Trump administration in 2025. They delve into the surprising pick for Labor Secretary, how labor policies are expected to change, what the new administration means for tech and AI, and what attacks on DEI are on the horizon.

In this episode, Linda and Neela explore the critical topic of sexual harassment outside the physical workplace, focusing on the case Okonowsky v. Garland. The discussion centers around how online harassment can create a hostile work environment and emphasizes employers' responsibility to investigate such complaints thoroughly. Furthermore, Linda and Neela highlight the necessity of establishing clear anti-harassment and social media policies, as well as adapting to the shifting workplace dynamics in the wake of Covid-19. Through illustrative scenarios and practical advice, the episode equips employers with knowledge regarding how to manage the nuances of online harassment effectively.

This podcast episode features Chris Wilkinson and Sopen Shah discussing the significant impact of the Loper Bright decision, which eliminated Chevron deference, on employment and labor law. The speakers delve into the implications of this decision on agency rulemaking at both federal and state levels and how it may change the way regulated parties interpret regulatory authorities. They also explore the concept of “Auer deference” and the potential fallout and future shifts in the legal landscape due to this decision.

In this episode, Kristie and Allison discuss how the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) scrutinizes agreements with employees under the whistleblower protection rule. Their conversation focuses on the SEC’s enforcement efforts against employers based on agreements with their employees, with a particular emphasis on confidentiality agreements and their potential to impede whistleblowers.

In this episode, Ann Marie and Chris discuss what employers might expect in the run-up to the 2024 election regarding labor and employment law changes. They explore the impact of the Biden administration’s regulations including an extensive discussion of the FTC’s noncompete rule, the potential implications of the 2024 election, and the influence of unions on the election.

In this episode, Chris and Jeremy analyze a recent Supreme Court decision affecting anti-discrimination laws, Muldrow v. City of St. Louis case. They discuss how this ruling expands the scope of "adverse actions" in the employment context and its impact on workplace policies and diversity efforts. The episode offers crucial insights for employment lawyers and human resource professionals alike, highlighting the need for adapting to new legal challenges.