Labor & Employment

Butterball Sued for ADA Accommodation Denial and Wrongful Termination

The EEOC filed a lawsuit against Butterball LLC alleging the company violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by refusing to provide a reasonable workplace accommodation to an employee and subsequently terminating their employment. The complaint alleges discriminatory termination following a disability-related accommodation request.

EEOC v. BestBet Jacksonville - Pregnant Worker Fairness Act Violation

EEOC filed its first Pregnancy Worker Fairness Act lawsuit against BestBet Jacksonville, alleging the casino refused to accommodate a pregnant employee's request for light duty and subsequently terminated her. EEOC seeks compensatory and punitive damages, back pay, and front pay in the federal lawsuit filed in the Middle District of Florida. This enforcement action signals aggressive EEOC enforcement of the PWFA, which took effect in June 2023.

District Council fined £50,000 after worker seriously injured in ride-on mower incident

HSE prosecuted Bassetlaw District Council for safety failures after an employee sustained serious injuries when a ride-on lawnmower overturned at a churchyard, falling 2.3 metres onto a road below. The council failed to conduct suitable risk assessments for slope work, provide adequate training, or install safety measures at a retaining wall. At Nottingham Magistrates' Court on 30 March 2026, the council was fined £50,000 and ordered to pay £5,138.85 costs plus a £2,000 victim surcharge.

WV Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Inmate Abuse Conspiracy

The DOJ Civil Rights Division announced that former West Virginia correctional officer Michael Pack pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy against inmates' rights under 18 U.S.C. § 371. Pack admitted to assaulting inmates at Southern Regional Jail with co-conspirators, using 'blind spots' to avoid surveillance, and falsifying incident reports. Sentencing is scheduled for July 24, 2026, with a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

DOJ Sues Idaho for Failure to Produce Voter Rolls

The DOJ Civil Rights Division filed a federal lawsuit against Idaho on April 1, 2026, for failing to produce full voter registration lists upon request as required under the Civil Rights Act of 1960. This action brings the Department's nationwide enforcement total to 30 states and the District of Columbia. The lawsuit seeks to enforce the Attorney General's statutory authority to request, inspect, and analyze statewide voter registration records for election integrity purposes.

Kitchen Porter v Restaurant - Constructive Dismissal Claim

The Workplace Relations Commission rejected a constructive dismissal claim from a kitchen porter who resigned from a restaurant after a disciplinary process. The worker, who lacked 12 months of service required for Unfair Dismissals Act protection, submitted her claim under the Industrial Relations Act 1969. The Adjudication Officer found no grounds to recommend compensation.

Oregon Unemployment Rate and Nonfarm Payroll Employment January 2026

The Oregon Employment Department released January 2026 employment data showing Oregon's unemployment rate at 5.2% (vs. 4.3% nationally). Seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 2,000 jobs. Major gains were in leisure and hospitality (+1,800), health care and social assistance (+1,500), and construction (+1,000), while manufacturing (-1,500) and professional and business services (-1,300) saw losses.

TÜV SÜD Product Services Voluntary NRTL Termination

OSHA announced the voluntary termination of TÜV SÜD Product Services GmbH's (TUVPSG) recognition as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), effective March 5, 2026. TUVPSG notified OSHA on May 22, 2025, that it would not seek renewal of its recognition expiring March 5, 2026, and transferred existing certifications to TÜV SÜD America, Inc.

Business Services Quarterly Newsletter Highlights Job Fairs and Program Success

The Fargo Workforce Center (North Dakota) published its quarterly Business Services Newsletter highlighting outcomes from recent job fairs including the FM Spring Job Fair and Virtual Job Fair. The newsletter features a success story from the New American Employment Program and announces the retirement of Executive Director Pat Bertagnolli.

Asbestos Management Inspections During Awareness Week

HSE is marking Global Asbestos Awareness Week (1–7 April 2026) by conducting unannounced inspections of premises and construction sites to verify asbestos management compliance. Building owners, landlords, and tradespeople who fail to manage asbestos risks face prosecution, fines, and criminal records.