Posts by Robert Sheen
AI Executive Order Issued by Biden Administration
On October 30, 2023, the Biden administration issued its highly anticipated AI Executive Order (EO) on artificial intelligence (AI). Focused on creating a framework for “responsible AI”, the EO expands on the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights. Key elements covered in its scope include safety, privacy, equity and civil rights, healthcare and education,…
Read MoreEmery Reddy Files 31 Pay Transparency Lawsuits in Washington
Washington employers face a deluge of class actions alleging violations of the state’s Equal Pay and Opportunity Act (EPOA). Law firm Emery Reddy PLLC has filed 31 lawsuits since June, the majority in the last few weeks. Legislation came into force on January 1, 2023. High profile companies feature among those targeted by plaintiffs. These…
Read MorePay Transparency Act: British Columbia Takes Action on Equal Pay
British Columbia’s Pay Transparency Act, Bill 13, became effective on May 11, 2023, with an immediate salary history ban. From November 1, employers must also include wage information in job postings and provide annual pay transparency reports. While Canada’s Federal Pay Equity Act is based on the principle of equal pay for work of equal…
Read MoreEqual Pay Named in EEOC Targeted Priorities
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has taken another step toward achieving its goal of equal pay and eliminating discrimination. EEOC objectives for fiscal years 2024 through 2028 are highlighted in its Strategic Enforcement Plan (SEP), released on September 21. And its message is uncompromising. EEOC priorities The Commission’s clear focus is on combatting employment…
Read MoreEqual Pay Protection & Brexit: What’s Next for the UK?
As EU member states prepare for the EU Pay Transparency Directive, the UK has dispensed with hundreds of EU-derived laws under its Schedule of Retained Law. What does that mean for equal pay protection and UK gender equality? Below, we explore the impact of Brexit and equal pay, and consider whether the UK will experience…
Read MoreMassachusetts Pay Transparency Moves a Step Closer
Massachusetts is poised to follow California and Illinois and become the third state to require pay data reporting. It would also be the eleventh to require pay transparency in job listings. On October 4, Massachusetts House of Representatives voted 148-8 in favor of the legislation. Pay transparency and wage equity requirements October 4,3, If successful…
Read MoreStarbucks Lawsuit Dismissal: A Triumph for Corporate Diversity Efforts
The National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR), a conservative think tank, recently initiated a lawsuit against Starbucks. They lost. The legal action challenged Starbucks’ commitment to its diversity and inclusion initiatives, alleging that their efforts were not only discriminatory but that they also adversely affected the company’s financial performance. However, Starbucks has been a…
Read MoreEEOC and WHD Alliance Impacts Every Employer
The EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunities Commission) and Department of Labor WHD (Wage and Hour Division) have agreed on a partnership to enforce “workplace justice issues”. Effective September 13, the EEOC and WHD alliance involves greater collaboration on employment-related matters and regulatory enforcement. Coordination between the two agencies will increase through information sharing, joint investigations, training,…
Read MoreBirmingham City Council Faces Bankruptcy in Equal Pay Dispute
The UK’s Birmingham City Council issued two 114 notices in September, effectively declaring itself bankrupt. It now faces a staggering £760 million equal pay bill ($928 million). Council correspondence suggests the final figure could amount to £1.15 billion ($1.4 billion). And the claim is growing by an estimated £5 million to £14 million ($6-17 million)…
Read MoreOpportunity Equity: Prepare for 2024’s Emerging HR Trend
While pay equity remains a key HR trend in 2023, another is emerging as we approach 2024; that of opportunity equity. Opportunity equity is the practice of providing all workers with equal access to opportunities for employment, development, and career advancement. That’s irrespective of gender, race/ethnicity, age, and other personal attributes. It aims to dismantle…
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