Labor & Employment

HCL America Settles Age and National Origin Discrimination Lawsuit

The EEOC announced that HCL America will pay $495,000 to settle a lawsuit alleging age and national origin discrimination. The case involved claims that the company rejected a 62-year-old Indian job applicant based on discriminatory factors. The settlement includes compensatory damages for the affected individual.

Blue Eagle Contracting sued for religious discrimination

The EEOC filed a lawsuit (Case No. 2:25-cv-00012) against Blue Eagle Contracting in the District of Utah for religious discrimination under Title VII. The EEOC alleges the company failed to accommodate an employee's religious practice and subsequently terminated the employee. The EEOC seeks back pay, compensatory and punitive damages for the complainant, and injunctive relief preventing future religious discrimination.

Giglio vs Oak Central Recruitment - Terms of Employment

WRC Adjudication Officer Catherine Byrne issued a decision on February 16, 2026, finding in favour of complainant Leandro Giglio against Oak Central Recruitment Services Limited. The case concerned alleged breaches of section 7 of the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994, specifically that the employer failed to provide written notice of changes to the complainant's terms and conditions of employment when he was promoted to duty manager in July 2024. The complainant also claimed he was not paid for mandatory pre-shift meetings.

Health and Safety Penalisation Complaint Adjudication

The Workplace Relations Commission issued an adjudication decision in case ADJ-00061617, finding that Gilciene Neves was penalised by Brindley Healthcare Services Limited for raising health and safety concerns about her shift pattern under Section 28 of the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005. The complainant, a Rapid Respondent Health Care Assistant, testified that she faced increased scrutiny and formal performance improvement requirements after complaining about fatigue from driving and client visits.

Interest Assumptions for Valuing Benefits in Single-Employer Plans

PBGC issued a final rule updating interest assumptions used for valuing benefits in terminating single-employer plans covered by ERISA. The rule prescribes spreads component rates for valuation dates from April 30 through July 30, 2026. These actuarial assumptions affect annuity pricing, withdrawal liability calculations, and annual financial reporting requirements for pension plan sponsors.

Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board Meeting Scheduled

The Montana Department of Labor and Industry Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board will hold a public meeting on April 15, 2026 from 8:15 AM to 3:00 PM. The meeting agenda covers review of unemployment insurance appeals. The public may attend or contact Brenda Bassett, Public Information Officer, for additional information.

Asset Allocation Interest Assumptions for Single-Employer Plans

PBGC issued a final rule amending 29 CFR Part 4044 to update the interest assumption spreads for valuing benefits under terminating single-employer plans. The rule applies to plans with valuation dates from April 30, 2026 through July 30, 2026. These assumptions are used by plan sponsors, actuaries, and PBGC for pension valuations, withdrawal liability calculations, and special financial assistance determinations.

Private Sector Employment Up 20,200 Jobs in January 2026

The New York State Department of Labor released employment data showing private sector employment increased by 20,200 jobs in January 2026. This monthly labor market report provides current employment statistics for New York State.

OSHA and Wage and Hour Division Host Safety Stand-Down Webinar

OSHA announced an April 8 webinar to help employers prepare for the 2026 Safety Stand-Down, part of the 20th annual Georgia Struck-by Alliance's Safety Stand-Down. The agency will provide free compliance resources, consultation services information, and details about its Safety Champions Program.

New Jersey Employment Report - Job Growth and Unemployment

The New Jersey Department of Labor released preliminary January 2026 employment data showing the state added 6,000 jobs, with the unemployment rate declining to 5.2% from 5.4% in December. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual benchmark revisions adjusted 2025 employment estimates, revising the year-over-year job gain down to 5,100 from the previously reported 9,000.