[WEBINAR] Who Does What? Defining Proper Roles for Staff and Elected Officials
Ethics Laws and the Importance of Transparency for Public Officials
Seyfarth Synopsis: On June 23, 2020, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed an emergency “Right to Reemployment” Ordinance in response to layoffs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Mayor had ten days to take action on...more
As previously announced, the New York City Council has introduced an expansive package of COVID-19 bills that, among other things, propose sweeping protections for “essential” workers. The significance of this proposed...more
On April 22, 2020, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, with the backing of several Aldermen, introduced the COVID-19 Anti-Retaliation Ordinance (the “Ordinance”), which, if enacted, would prohibit Chicago employers from retaliating...more
Although the Supreme Court has suspended hearing appeals, the Court continues to issue judgments both on appeals and applications for leave to appeal. Hearings scheduled for March, April and May were adjourned on March 25,...more
As reported by the New York Times, the New York City Council announced that it will introduce a COVID-19 relief package aimed at protecting small businesses, essential workers, tenants and the homeless....more
As previously discussed here, the use of artificial intelligence in the workplace has drawn scrutiny from regulatory bodies and activist groups who have expressed concern that such technology may not neutrally screen...more
The New York City Council has proposed additional legislation that would have a major impact on businesses falling within the broad definition of “fast food establishments” and has scheduled a hearing on the bills for...more
The New York City Council overwhelmingly passed legislation which would prohibit most City employers from requiring job applicants to submit to drug tests for marijuana use. Specifically, the bill would amend the City’s Fair...more
The most effective cities often share key traits in common. Among these is a solid history and practice of clearly defined and well-understood roles for the key players on the city’s team. When staff and elected officials...more
A recent decision from the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals highlights the distinction between firing an employee for personal or politically expedient reasons (which may be entirely legal) and firing an employee because of his...more
The New York City Council has approved a bill that would make it unlawful for private employers to inquire into or rely upon job applicants’ wage history during the hiring process, with limited exception. The bill now goes...more
The New York City Council passed legislation yesterday that will prohibit employers from making inquiries regarding salary history during the hiring process, a measure aimed at addressing gender-based wage gaps. Under the new...more
Seyfarth Synopsis: The Freelance Isn’t Free Act, granting protections for freelancers in New York City, was signed by Mayor De Blasio on November 16, 2016. The law, on which we previously reported in detail here, will go...more
New York City Public Advocate Letitia James has introduced legislation before the City Council that would amend the New York City Human Rights Law to make it an unlawful employment practice for employers to request job...more
The New Orleans City Council recently approved legislation making it unlawful for city contractors to seek or use the consumer credit history of a current or prospective employee for any decision regarding the hiring or...more
The D.C. Council has postponed votes on the Hours and Scheduling Stability Act (the “Scheduling Act”) and the Universal Paid Leave Act (the “Leave Act”), two controversial bills that would impose significant burdens on D.C....more
On March 24, 2016, the Austin City Council passed a “ban-the-box” ordinance, the Fair Chance Hiring Ordinance, which took effect on April 4, 2016. The final version of the ordinance was released on April 12, 2016. It...more
On March 24, 2016, the Austin City Council passed an ordinance that will significantly restrict many employers from making employment decisions about applicants or employees based on their criminal histories. The Fair Chance...more
On June 10th, by a 45-5 vote, the New York City Council passed a bill (Int. No. 318) to amend the New York City Human Rights Law (“NYCHRL”) to further restrict employers from inquiring into or otherwise considering an...more
On June 10, 2015, the New York City Council passed the Fair Chance Act (Intro No. 318-A, 2014) by a vote of 45-to-5. The legislation prevents employers from inquiring about job applicants’ criminal arrests and convictions...more