At-Will Employment Laws News
The latest legal news and analysis on at-will employment laws.
31 articles
Lockheed Martin $29.5M Discrimination Settlement With DOJ and EEOC
DOJ and EEOC announced a $29.5M Lockheed Martin settlement Nov 3-4, 2026: $22M under the False Claims Act, $7.5M to 1,000+ employees. Allegations only.
Labor Code 432.6: Hiring Arbitration Unenforceable in a Non-FAA Case
On Oct. 22, 2026, California's Second District held Labor Code 432.6 bars enforcing a hiring arbitration agreement when the FAA does not apply.
Ninth Circuit Upholds Block on California SB 399 Captive Audience Law
A Ninth Circuit panel affirmed on October 29, 2026 the injunction barring California from enforcing SB 399, Labor Code section 1137, under strict scrutiny.
Ninth Circuit: No Injunction Against Seattle Gig Deactivation Law
Ninth Circuit, Oct. 29, 2026: an amended opinion affirms denial of an injunction against Seattle's app-based worker deactivation ordinance. Not a merits ruling.
Smithfield to Pay $245,000 in EEOC Pregnancy Accommodation Case
The EEOC says Smithfield Fresh Meats will pay $245,000 to settle a Pregnant Workers Fairness Act suit over its North Carolina plant. What the PWFA requires.
Fifth Circuit Grants En Banc Rehearing in Trader Joe's NLRB Case
The Fifth Circuit granted rehearing en banc on October 30, 2026 in Trader Joe's v. NLRB and vacated the February 2026 panel opinion. What that means now.
ITS Logistics to Pay $396,135 in EEOC Religious Harassment Case
The EEOC announced October 26, 2026 that Reno-based ITS Logistics will pay $396,135.54 to resolve a religious harassment charge through pre-suit conciliation.
Instacart Agrees to $5 Million DOJ and EEOC Settlement Over PERM Hiring
DOJ and the EEOC announced a $5 million Instacart settlement on October 20, 2026 over PERM recruitment that allegedly burdened U.S. applicants.
EEOC Says Il Fornaio Will Pay $3 Million to Settle Harassment Suit
The EEOC announced a $3,000,000 Il Fornaio harassment settlement on Oct 13, 2026. What the docket shows, what Title VII requires, and the charge deadline.
Washington Wage Lien Must Name Each Worker, Court Rules
Washington's Court of Appeals held October 12, 2026 that class representatives may record wage liens, but every lien must name the workers who served the site.
Birchstone Management EEOC Settlement: $500,000, Claims Process
On October 6, 2026 the EEOC said Birchstone Management will provide $500,000 and open a claims process after finding it refused to hire women as pallet repairers in WA, TX and NV.
EEOC Sues Call 4 Health Under PWFA Over Childbirth Leave
The EEOC sued Call 4 Health on September 29, 2026, alleging it denied pregnant workers childbirth leave under the PWFA because they were not FMLA eligible.
EEOC Enforces Conciliation Agreement: $85,000 Consent Judgment
A Kentucky court entered an $85,000 consent judgment in the EEOC's suit to enforce a conciliation agreement. What conciliation is, and why it binds.
EEOC Hiring Discrimination Settlement: El Dorado Pays $1.3M
The EEOC says El Dorado Furniture will pay $1.3 million to non-Hispanic applicants after a reasonable-cause finding. What Title VII and conciliation mean.
EEOC Sues Sibitalent Over an Alleged "ONLY H-1B" Job Referral Policy
The EEOC alleges a Texas IT staffing agency refused to refer an American developer after an ONLY H-1B job notice. What Title VII covers, and what it does not.
EEOC Sues Walmart Over a Deaf Stocker's Sign Language Interpreter Request
The EEOC alleges Wal-Mart Stores East failed to provide a deaf Virginia stocker a sign language interpreter for daily staff meetings. What the ADA requires.
EEOC Sues Mercy Health Over Alleged Antisemitic Harassment
The EEOC sued Bon Secours Mercy Health in Ohio federal court on September 23, 2026, alleging a Jewish surgeon faced antisemitic harassment and was fired.
EEOC Sues Ollie's and MedStar in Two ADA Hiring Cases
The EEOC announced two ADA hiring lawsuits on Sept. 23, 2026, against Ollie's Bargain Outlet and MedStar Health. The allegations are unproven.
EEOC Sues Design Cuisine and Elior North America Over Alleged Hijab Discrimination
EEOC sues a caterer over an alleged hijab hiring refusal. The claims are unproven; here is what Title VII and Groff v. DeJoy actually require of employers.
Eleventh Circuit Revives Race Bias Claims Over Drug Test Firings
The Eleventh Circuit reversed summary judgment for an Alabama employer, holding a jury could weigh race discrimination and retaliation claims over a drug test.
Ameris Bank Hit With $79.5M Whistleblower-Retaliation Judgment
A California federal court entered a $79.5M judgment against Ameris Bank for whistleblower retaliation and the wrongful firing of ex-Balboa CEO Patrick Byrne.
Nebraska WARN Act (LB 921) Takes Effect: 90-Day Layoff Notice Now Required
Nebraska's LB 921 mini-WARN Act took effect July 18, 2026, requiring 100+-employee employers to give 90 days' layoff notice, 30 more than federal WARN's 60 days.
Maine Health Care Noncompete Law: L.D. 2200 Takes Effect July 29
Maine's L.D. 2200 took effect July 29, 2026, restricting noncompete agreements against Maine health care practitioners unless they hold ownership interest and patient choice is preserved.
Washington Supreme Court Strikes Down Live-In Caregiver Wage Exemption
The Washington Supreme Court ruled July 9, 2026 that the state's live-in caregiver wage exemption is unconstitutional, entitling live-in caregivers to minimum wage and overtime under the MWA.