On February 26, 2026, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued a decision on bathroom access in federal workplaces, establishing that intimate spaces such as bathrooms, locker rooms, and sleeping quarters in federal settings are to be designated by sex
HR Law Watch
An Essential Resource for Employers
HR Law Watch, published by Ballard Spahr LLP, focuses on developments in labor and employment law with an emphasis on human resources compliance and workplace regulations. The blog covers topics such as anti-discrimination laws including Title VII, visa and immigration issues affecting employment like H-1B and PERM processes, pay equity and transparency mandates, employee data reporting requirements, and government enforcement actions related to workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. It also addresses employer obligations under federal and state laws, guidance on Affordable Care Act reporting, and legal challenges involving collective bargaining agreements and employment practices. The content is aimed at helping employers navigate complex HR legal issues and regulatory compliance.
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The Economic Reality of History Repeating Itself: DOL Proposes Another Shift in Independent Contractor Classification
On February 27, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released a proposed rule addressing employee versus independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The proposed standard will also apply to employee classification under the Family and Medical Leave…
Department of Labor Issues “AI Literacy” Framework for Workers, Employers, and Educators
The Department of Labor has issued new guidance, the “Artificial Intelligence Literacy Framework,” detailing the DOL’s aspirations for the adoption of AI by workers, employers, educators, job trainers, and governments.
What is AI Literacy?
According to the DOL…
Fortune 500 Companies Beware: EEOC Chair Sends Warning on DEI Compliance
Fortune 500 companies recently received an important message from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: review your diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives carefully.
On February 26, 2026, EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas sent a letter to the board chairs, chief executive…
Federal Focus on DEI Initiatives Expands in Corporate Hiring Practices and Regulated Industries
Recent remarks from Trump Administration senior officials signal an expanding federal focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives—particularly where they intersect with corporate hiring, promotion, and compensation decisions.
DOJ Elevates DEI-Related FCA Investigations to “Expedited Priority Treatment”
At the…
Key Employer Takeaways from Recent Federal Guidance on Remote Work Policies
On February 12, 2026, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released new technical assistance document addressing remote work as an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The guidance was issued in response to President Trump’s January 2025 Executive…
DEI Executive Orders Under Fire: Two Major Appellate Court Challenges Spotlight Legal Ambiguity and Uncertainty
DOL Sets New Minimum Wage Rates for Certain Federal Contracts
On February 6, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division issued a Notice announcing new minimum wage rates for workers performing work on or in connection with federal contracts covered by the 2014 Obama-era Executive Order 13658,…
Return to Normalcy at the NLRB? – New General Counsel and Board Members Signal that Stability and Addressing Backlog Are Priorities
With the December 2025 appointment of two Board members and a new General Counsel, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or the Board) is up and running again. Recent developments from the General Counsel’s office and the Board signal important…
New Year’s Resolution for Oregon Employers: Compliance with Newly Updated Paid Leave Oregon Regulations
Oregon rang in the New Year with changes to regulations governing Paid Leave Oregon (PLO). The Oregon Employment Department (OED) issued modestly revised regulations (Rules) addressing a wide range of issues, including notice for intermittent leave, limitations on leave taken…
