New York is the first state in the U.S. to pass a law entitling workers to paid prenatal leave. The law, which took effect on January 1, 2025, requires private sector employers, regardless of size, to provide their New
The HR Defense blog, published by Akerman LLP, focuses on legal developments and compliance issues related to human resources and employment law. It covers topics such as visa policies affecting workforce management, enforcement priorities of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), employee leave laws including safe and sick time requirements, and the legal implications of using artificial intelligence in hiring practices. The blog addresses regulatory changes, litigation risks, and practical guidance for employers to navigate complex HR legal landscapes, including immigration, discrimination, workplace accommodations, and emerging technology compliance.
New York is the first state in the U.S. to pass a law entitling workers to paid prenatal leave. The law, which took effect on January 1, 2025, requires private sector employers, regardless of size, to provide their New…
2024 might almost be over, but the Senate recently passed two bills that are intended to ease at least some employer burdens under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) moving forward. The bills, both of which are pending…
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently issued a final rule aimed at modernizing the H-1B nonimmigrant worker visa program, with significant and favorable changes set to take effect on January 17, 2025. These updates provide much-needed clarity and…
As part of a program dating back to 1938, the little-spoken-about Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) includes a provision that allows employers to obtain certificates from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) authorizing them to pay…
In a significant update for employers and human resource teams, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has made the 540-day auto-extension period for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) renewals a permanent benefit. In May 2022, DHS extended the EAD auto-extension to…
One of the simplest but most important steps that employers should take to minimize the workforce disruptions associated with the upcoming change in presidential administrations is to avoid international travel by certain foreign national workers starting now, and to bring…
The gig economy continues to prosper, fueled by some recent legal wins, which have been delivered at a crucial juncture for businesses reliant on the flexibility and cost efficiencies that come with classifying workers as independent contractors. These victories are…
With the upcoming change in administration, we expected that the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) 2024 Overtime Rule ultimately would be cast aside, but the timing of the January 1, 2025 salary level increase before Inauguration Day was slated to…
In recent years, there has been a growing shift in mindset for pet owners that consider animals to be essential to their well-being and integral to their home life. In fact, one ASPCA survey reported that, in the early stages…
As President-elect Trump’s administration prepares for a second term, employers should anticipate intensified changes to U.S. immigration policies and procedures. These changes are expected to significantly impact various immigration categories, including nonimmigrant and immigrant employment-based processes, hiring practices, and compliance…