Roundup: Layoffs, Cannabis at work, App-based drivers, Hair discrimination, DEI programs

NEWSLETTER VOLUME 1.9

July 10, 2023

Salary.com Compensation and Pay Equity Law Review

Welcome to Salary.com's Compensation and Pay Equity Law Review. 

 

Our editor, employment lawyer Heather Bussing, is tracking legislation, cases, and analysis to give you the latest critical HR topics. 

 

This week we're answering the questions: 

 

  • What should I consider in laying off employees? 
  • How does legalizing marijuana affect drug free work policies? 
  • What is the new wage for app-based delivery drivers in New York City? 
  • How to comply with Michigan's new law on hair discrimination? 
  • Does the Supreme Court's take on affirmative action impact employment discrimination and DEI programs? 
July 4th
Nobody likes to terminate employees. Even the employment lawyers. But sometimes it's necessary. In those cases, the more help you can give employees to understand their options, what they need to do, and to transition to the next thing, the better it will go for everyone.
July 5th
As states legalize cannabis for medical and recreational use, employers are trying to figure out how to deal with employees who use cannabis. How do you maintain workplace safety and compliance with drug and alcohol policies?
July 6th
NYC has established minimum payment rates for delivery drivers. It's a difficult job and the drivers have most of the risks. So, making sure they get paid fairly makes sense.
July 7th
There's a decent argument that when you discriminate against someone because they have an afro or braids or any other hair style associated with racial or ethnic identity, that's race discrimination. But since not all courts agree, not all employers believe it's a thing, and the US Senate hasn't passed the federal version of the law, states are addressing the issue.
July 10th
People who have never experienced discrimination because of who they are often think everyone else just isn't trying hard enough. The reality is that many people never even get a chance to try—no matter how hard they work or what their skills, intelligence, or abilities.
This is an excellent discussion of the Court's recent affirmative action case and how it may affect employment law and practices down the line. The steps to strengthen your DEI program are especially useful.

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