Employment Law This Week Podcast
Epstein Becker & Green, P.C.
Recent Episodes
This week, we're covering the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL's) launch of Project Firewall to enforce H-1B visa compliance and new guidance on stand-alone fertility benefits, as well as a federal court ruling voiding gender identity protections.
Project Firewall: An H-1B Enforcement Initiative
The DOL has introduced Project Firewall, an initiative to enforce compliance with H-1B visa regulations. The program aims to ensure employers follow federal guidelines while balancing U.S. workers' rights and businesses' needs for skilled foreign labor.
DOL Issues Guidance for Fertility Treatments
Employers can now offer stand-alone fertility benefits, such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) coverage, as "excepted benefits" separate from traditional health plans under new guidance from the DOL.
Federal Judge Strikes Down Gender Identity Protections
A federal judge in the Southern District of Mississippi has voided a Biden-era rule that extended sex discrimination protections under the Affordable Care Act to include gender identity, raising questions about the future of gender-affirming care protections.
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Visit our site for this week's Other Highlights and links: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw411
Download our Wage & Hour Guide for Employers app: https://www.ebglaw.com/wage-hour-guide-for-employers-app.
Subscribe to #WorkforceWednesday: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw-subscribe
Visit http://www.EmploymentLawThisWeek.com
This podcast is presented by Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. All rights are reserved. This audio recording includes information about legal issues and legal developments. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. These informational materials are not intended, and should not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances, and these materials are not a substitute for the advice of competent counsel. The content reflects the personal views and opinions of the participants. No attorney-client relationship has been created by this audio recording. This audio recording may be considered attorney advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. The determination of the need for legal services and the choice of a lawyer are extremely important decisions and should not be based solely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
This week, we discuss highlights from Epstein Becker Green's 44th Annual Workforce Management Briefing, which covered some of the most pressing issues for employers today.
Top Employment Insights: 44th Annual Workforce Management Briefing
Epstein Becker Green attorneys and clients from across the nation gathered in New York City this past week to share their insights on the latest developments in labor and employment law.
In this episode of Employment Law This Week, we hear from a few of the briefing's panelists about the critical issues their clients are currently facing.
Key Topics of Discussion:
- Navigating Workplace Compliance and Litigation Risks: Panelists spoke about handling accommodation requests, defending class and collective claims, and refining termination strategies across varied regulatory landscapes.
- Adapting to Evolving Workforce Dynamics: Speakers explored managing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; return-to-office mandates; and the rise in union activity.
- Governing AI and Technology: Panelists talked about ensuring responsible artificial intelligence (AI) adoption while addressing data privacy, liability, and ethical considerations.
Epstein Becker Green attorneys featured in this podcast: Haley Morrison, Rishi Puri, Dov Lutzker, Erin E. Schaefer, Courtney McFate, Jill K. Bigler
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Visit our site for this week's Other Highlights and links: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw410
Download our Wage & Hour Guide for Employers app: https://www.ebglaw.com/wage-hour-guide-for-employers-app.
Subscribe to #WorkforceWednesday: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw-subscribe
Visit http://www.EmploymentLawThisWeek.com
This podcast is presented by Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. All rights are reserved. This audio recording includes information about legal issues and legal developments. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. These informational materials are not intended, and should not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances, and these materials are not a substitute for the advice of competent counsel. The content reflects the personal views and opinions of the participants. No attorney-client relationship has been created by this audio recording. This audio recording may be considered attorney advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. The determination of the need for legal services and the choice of a lawyer are extremely important decisions and should not be based solely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
This week, we're covering an uptick in state-level employment law activity, federal court decisions on "captive audience" bans, and Rhode Island's new menopause accommodation requirements.
State Legislative Activity Increases
California has introduced new laws on paid sick leave, artificial intelligence, pay equity, and protections for tipped workers. Meanwhile, other states are also rolling out new laws impacting employment practices.
Courts Clash Over "Captive Audience" Bans
Federal courts have issued conflicting rulings on state restrictions regarding employer-mandated meetings related to union organizing.
Rhode Island Enacts First-Ever Menopause Law
Through a new amendment to its Fair Employment Practices Act, Rhode Island has become the first state in the country to require employers with four or more employees to accommodate menopause symptoms.
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Visit our site for this week's Other Highlights and links: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw409
Download our Wage & Hour Guide for Employers app: https://www.ebglaw.com/wage-hour-guide-for-employers-app.
Subscribe to #WorkforceWednesday: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw-subscribe
Visit http://www.EmploymentLawThisWeek.com
This podcast is presented by Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. All rights are reserved. This audio recording includes information about legal issues and legal developments. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. These informational materials are not intended, and should not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances, and these materials are not a substitute for the advice of competent counsel. The content reflects the personal views and opinions of the participants. No attorney-client relationship has been created by this audio recording. This audio recording may be considered attorney advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. The determination of the need for legal services and the choice of a lawyer are extremely important decisions and should not be based solely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
This week, we explore the latest changes in state-level family and medical leave laws and how employers can stay compliant.
How to Stay Compliant with 2026 State Family and Medical Leave Laws
A wave of changes to state-level family and medical leave laws, set to take effect in 2026 and beyond—along with recent expansions—is adding to the already-complex patchwork of family and medical leave regulations across the country.
In this episode of Employment Law This Week®, Epstein Becker Green attorney Eric I. Emanuelson, Jr., breaks down what's changing and how employers can prepare.
What Employers Need to Know:
- New Programs: Delaware, Minnesota, and Maine are rolling out benefits in 2026, while Maryland's program is delayed until 2028.
- Expanded Coverage: States such as Washington and Colorado are broadening definitions of "family member" and adding new qualifying reasons for leave.
- Employer To-Dos: Review policies, update notices, and coordinate with payroll teams to ensure compliance.
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Visit our site for this week's Other Highlights and links: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw408
Download our Wage & Hour Guide for Employers app: https://www.ebglaw.com/wage-hour-guide-for-employers-app.
Subscribe to #WorkforceWednesday: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw-subscribe
Visit http://www.EmploymentLawThisWeek.com
This podcast is presented by Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. All rights are reserved. This audio recording includes information about legal issues and legal developments. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. These informational materials are not intended, and should not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances, and these materials are not a substitute for the advice of competent counsel. The content reflects the personal views and opinions of the participants. No attorney-client relationship has been created by this audio recording. This audio recording may be considered attorney advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. The determination of the need for legal services and the choice of a lawyer are extremely important decisions and should not be based solely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
This week, we're covering the new H-1B visa fee, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC's) closure of disparate impact cases, and recent key labor appointments.
New Fee for H-1B Visas
Employers must now pay $100,000 for each first-time H-1B petition filed on or after September 21, 2025. Current visa holders are not affected. Exceptions may apply, but details are limited.
EEOC Shuts Down Disparate Impact Cases
The EEOC has closed nearly all disparate impact cases following a recent executive order. These claims can still be pursued in court. The agency will also dissolve its Office of Enterprise Data and Analytics, although EEO-1 reporting requirements appear unchanged.
Key Labor Roles Confirmed
The Senate has confirmed Daniel Aronowitz as Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Employee Benefits Security Administration. Additionally, the Senate has confirmed over 100 other labor-related appointments—including 11 top labor positions—restoring a quorum at both the EEOC and the Merit Systems Protection Board.
Visit our site for this week's Other Highlights and links: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw407
Download our Wage & Hour Guide for Employers app: https://www.ebglaw.com/wage-hour-guide-for-employers-app.
Subscribe to #WorkforceWednesday: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw-subscribe
Visit http://www.EmploymentLawThisWeek.com
This podcast is presented by Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. All rights are reserved. This audio recording includes information about legal issues and legal developments. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. These informational materials are not intended, and should not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances, and these materials are not a substitute for the advice of competent counsel. The content reflects the personal views and opinions of the participants. No attorney-client relationship has been created by this audio recording. This audio recording may be considered attorney advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. The determination of the need for legal services and the choice of a lawyer are extremely important decisions and should not be based solely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.