Last week was a big one for the EEOC. Among other things, the agency initiated a lawsuit against McDonald’s Corporate and a Missouri franchisee because the franchisee refused to provide a deaf applicant a sign language interpreter for a hiring interview. We don’t yet have all the details, but this case could further complicate the franchisor-franchisee relationship, which has been under scrutiny by the National Labor Relations Board.  The NLRB wants to make franchisors and franchisees joint employers of franchisee employees, but has been faced with Congressional action intended to block its efforts.

Discrimination

• The EEOC announced a $4 million settlement with Hillshire Brands (formerly known as Sara Lee Corporation) resolving racial harassment claims brought by 74 employees. 
• Concerned about harassment and discrimination faced by Muslim employees, EEOC Chair Jenny R. Yang issued a statement commending employers for their efforts to prevent harassment and discrimination on the basis of religion.
• Robin Shea issued her own naughty and nice list and commended the EEOC for issuing guidance to employers on wellness issues.

Technology

• Blogging4Jobs predicted recruiting trends for 2016, including taking better advantage of HR technology.
• TechTarget took a look at human capital management software from 2015 and what is in store for organizations heading into 2016.
• HR Tech World issued its ten predictions for HR in 2016, including expanded use of predictive analytics.

In other developments:

• Corporate Counsel examined whistleblower retaliation claims and how organizations can avoid liability.
• Entrepreneur highlighted the three biggest mistakes made by HR in 2015, including Walmart’s termination of an employee for redeeming $5.10 worth of recycling he found in the Walmart parking lot.