Employees

University of Texas Implements Controversial Law, Laying Off Diversity and Inclusion Employees

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AUSTIN, Texas – The University of Texas at Austin is facing backlash after laying off multiple employees who had previously held positions focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The layoffs were a result of a new state law that banned such programs on campuses. The Texas chapter of the American Association of University Professors reported that employees received layoff notices on Tuesday, several months after being reassigned to other positions in order to comply with the legislation that took effect on January 1. The university, however, did not disclose the exact number of affected individuals. … Read more

Rising Opposition to Restrictive Covenant Agreements Sparks Federal and State Actions: Impact on Companies and Employees Revealed

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MILWAUKEE, WI – The use of restrictive covenant agreements by companies to safeguard their business interests is facing scrutiny from federal and state governments. Despite bipartisan efforts in Congress falling short, federal agencies and state legislatures are actively pursuing measures to limit the implementation of such agreements. In 2016, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) released their Antitrust Guidance for Human Resource Professionals, focusing on no-poaching and wage-fixing agreements that fall under antitrust law. This guidance allowed employers to defend their restrictive covenants by proving the necessity of protecting legitimate business … Read more

Understanding Workers’ Compensation Laws for Employees in Illinois: Rights, Filing Process, and Recovery

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Chicago, Illinois – Employers in Illinois are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance for nearly all employees, and failure to do so can result in significant penalties. It is crucial for workers in the state to understand their rights and responsibilities in the event of a workplace injury. Here is a concise guide to the workers’ compensation laws in Illinois. Workers’ compensation laws in Chicago, IL apply to almost all employees, whether they are part-time or full-time. This coverage includes employees who sustain injuries while working in Illinois, those whose work is centered in the … Read more

Landmark Labor Board Ruling: Home Depot Found Guilty of Violating Employees’ Rights Over ‘BLM’ Apron Dispute

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New York – Home Depot, an Atlanta-based company, has been found to have violated federal labor laws by firing an employee for refusing to remove a hand-drawn “BLM” (Black Lives Matter) logo from his work apron, according to a ruling by the National Labor Relations Board. The board determined that the employee’s act of defiance was considered “concerted,” as it stemmed from previous joint protests by employees against racial discrimination in the workplace. The symbol was seen as an attempt to draw attention to the collective grievances of the group. The board also argued that … Read more