Australia: Fair Work Inspectors now checking employers comply with Immigration law obligations

SUMMARY:
Fair Work Inspectors are using additional powers as Immigration Inspectors to check the immigration status and work rights of employees and contractors. Recent reports suggest that Fair Work Inspectors are conducting a number of immigration checks on employers when conducting site inspections. Employers are now more likely to be investigated for potential breaches of immigration laws.
ARTICLE:
All Australian businesses have an obligation to only employ staff with the right to work in Australia. Businesses which […]

By | October 2nd, 2014 ||

United States: Recent Case Reminds Companies That, Though Much Embattled, Independent Contractor Classifications Can Be Valid

The dividing line between employees and independent contractors has been a hot topic in employment law for several years. In addition to the interest the federal government has taken in possible misclassification of employees, employers can also be subject to civil suits under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) and/or state employment law. In fact, litigation related to the FLSA has increased dramatically in the last few years. However, a New York federal court […]

By | October 1st, 2014 ||

United States: EEOC Sues Private Employers To Protect Transgender Workers

Two recent lawsuits filed by the EEOC are the latest efforts in a growing movement to protect transgender people in the workplace.

The two lawsuits, filed separately in Florida and Michigan, accuse two private employers of discriminating against transgender employees. Both lawsuits are based on a 2012 EEOC decision that effectively expanded the definition of “sex discrimination” in Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act to prohibit bias based on transgender status and gender […]

By | October 1st, 2014 ||