Roundup: Layoffs, Cannabis at work, App-based drivers, Hair discrimination, DEI programs

Nobody likes to terminate employees. Even the employment lawyers. But sometimes it's necessary. In those cases, the more help you can give employees to understand their options, what they need to do, and to transition to the next thing, the better it will go for everyone.

As states legalize cannabis for medical and recreational use, employers are trying to figure out how to deal with employees who use cannabis. How do you maintain workplace safety and compliance with drug and alcohol policies?

This is an excellent discussion.

NYC has established minimum payment rates for delivery drivers. It's a difficult job and the drivers have most of the risks. So, making sure they get paid fairly makes sense.

Here's a great discussion of the details on the new payment rules. We'll see how it works.

There's a decent argument that when you discriminate against someone because they have an afro or braids or any other hair style associated with racial or ethnic identity, that's race discrimination. But since not all courts agree, not all employers believe it's a thing, and the US Senate hasn't passed the federal version of the law, states are addressing the issue.

Here are the details on Michigan's new law that went into effect June 15, 2023.

People who have never experienced discrimination because of who they are often think everyone else just isn't trying hard enough. The reality is that many people never even get a chance to try—no matter how hard they work or what their skills, intelligence, or abilities.

This is an excellent discussion of the Court's recent affirmative action case and how it may affect employment law and practices down the line. The steps to strengthen your DEI program are especially useful.