Employer Seeks Appellate Review of NLRB Decision Striking Down Its Handbook Policies

By former Associate Jeffrey Hord

Earlier this week, an automotive parts manufacturing company petitioned the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to review—and hopefully overturn—a recent order from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) concluding that the company had committed unfair labor practices. Regardless of the ultimate outcome of the company’s appeal to the D.C. Circuit, the Board’s decision (summarized below) highlights its continuing attack on common, seemingly neutral policies and procedures that could be read to discourage employees from exercising their right to engage in “concerted activity” regarding the terms and conditions of their employment.

D.C. City Council Passes Paid Family and Medical Leave Law

Summary: New law provides D.C. employees with 8 weeks of paid parental leave, 6 weeks of paid family leave, and 2 weeks of paid medical leave, and imposes new obligations on employers.

Tips for a Liability-Free Holiday Party

By: Jack Blum, Associate

Summary: Employers holding holiday parties should follow commonsense tips to avoid potential liability.

It’s that time of year again, so your office administrative staff is likely planning your company’s 2016 holiday party. While holiday parties are a great way to build morale and show appreciation for your employees, they can also present risks for employers. As any fan of Dunder-Mifflin’s Party Planning Committee from The Office or the new movie Office Christmas Party knows, a holiday party can quickly go downhill for an employer that is not careful. With these tips, employers can avoid receiving a post-holiday party lump of coal in the form of legal liability.