Labor & Employment

USMCA Labor Dispute Win Over Rights Denial at Mexican Mine

The U.S. Department of Labor announced a victory in a USMCA labor dispute concerning the Camino Rojo Mine in Mexico. The panel found that the mine denied workers' labor rights through intimidation and violence, impacting critical mineral supply chains. This marks the second panel win under the USMCA's Rapid Response Labor Mechanism.

Texas Jobs Council Seeks Applicants for Workforce and Economic Growth Work Groups

The Texas Jobs Council is inviting Texans to apply for specialized work groups focused on strengthening the state's workforce and driving economic growth. Applications are due by April 7, 2026, and will help shape policy recommendations.

EEOC Sues Silver Cross Hospital Over Vaccine Mandate

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against Silver Cross Hospital for allegedly violating federal anti-discrimination laws by requiring employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The lawsuit claims the hospital failed to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs who could not receive the vaccine.

EEOC Sues Ourisman Automotive Group for Racial Harassment

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against Ourisman Automotive Group, alleging systemic racial harassment and discrimination against Black employees. The suit claims the company failed to address and prevent a hostile work environment, violating federal anti-discrimination laws.

EEOC Sexual Harassment Suit Against Justin Vineyards & Winery and Wonderful Company Settled for $1.49 Million

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a settlement with Justin Vineyards & Winery and The Wonderful Company, requiring them to pay $1.49 million to resolve a sexual harassment lawsuit. The suit alleged widespread sexual harassment and retaliation against female employees at the companies' California vineyards.

EEOC Secures $35,000 Settlement from Pizza Hut Franchisee for Sex Harassment and Retaliation

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a $35,000 settlement with Pizza Hut franchisee Ayvaz, LLC, resolving a lawsuit alleging sex-based harassment and retaliation. The suit claimed that managers at multiple franchise locations subjected female employees to sexual harassment and retaliated against those who complained.

DOL Proposes Wage Rule Changes for Foreign Nationals

The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration has proposed revisions to regulations governing prevailing wages for foreign nationals seeking employment in the U.S. via the PERM, H-1B, H-1B1, or E-3 visa programs. The proposed changes aim to better align wage levels with U.S. worker wages and strengthen program integrity.

Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Applications Open March 30

The Maine Department of Labor announced that applications for the state's Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program will open on March 30, 2026. Benefits, which provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave for medical, parental, family care, military family, and safe leave, will be available starting May 1, 2026. The program is funded by payroll contributions implemented in January 2025.

Maine Proclaims March 26 National Equal Pay Day

Governor Janet Mills has proclaimed March 26, 2026, as National Equal Pay Day in Maine. This proclamation highlights the persistent wage gap affecting women, particularly women of color, and reaffirms Maine's commitment to equal pay for equal work.

Unemployment Insurance Rule Update Public Hearings

The Maine Department of Labor is holding public hearings on April 13-14, 2026, to gather input on proposed amendments to the rules governing Unemployment Insurance's Able and Available requirement and Employee Leasing Companies. These changes are necessitated by recent legislation (PL 235). Public comments are being accepted until April 24 and April 25, 2026, respectively.