Southwest flight attendant sues for failure to accommodate pet allergies

The company allegedly said “no accommodation” could be made after it changed its policy in 2018 to allow cats and dogs on board.

By Emilie Shumway • Oct. 22, 2026

California rule would clarify protections for postpartum depression, telework accommodations

The proposed regulations aim to incorporate changes to California law and to align state law with the federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

By Ginger Christ • Oct. 21, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Inside the rapidly changing world of compliance

The HR landscape is ever-shifting, leaving compliance professionals to meet today’s requirements while keeping an eye on the future.

By HR Dive staff

Pennsylvania county becomes first in nation to pass paid parental leave

Allegheny County’s policy also applies to remote employees whose employers are based in other states.

By Emilie Shumway • Oct. 21, 2026

DOL rescinds potentially ‘misread’ tip rule opinion letters in FLSA enforcement shift

The agency also confirmed plans to revisit tip credit regulations for “dual job” workers, signaling the latest entry in an ongoing tug-of-war between administrations.

By Ryan Golden • Oct. 20, 2026

Flock had ‘boys club’ culture, former worker alleges in gender bias lawsuit

Despite an assurance from HR that an investigation was forthcoming, the worker’s mistreatment allegedly continued, and she was eventually fired.

By Emilie Shumway • Oct. 20, 2026

3 questions to consider at the intersection of PTO and the ADA

When an employee needs leave as a disability accommodation, accrued PTO can complicate the picture.

By Kate Tornone • Oct. 19, 2026

Catholic nonprofit must face lawsuit challenging benefits termination for same-sex spouse

No statute the employer invoked fully immunizes all employment decisions by religious employers involving employees in nonministerial roles, a split panel held.

By Ryan Golden • Oct. 19, 2026

Coach claims retaliation after opposing trans athlete’s inclusion on team

As part of an ongoing public legal saga, the Trump administration previously concluded that San José State University violated Title IX.

By Ryan Golden • Oct. 19, 2026

‘Why haven’t you retired?’: Railroader gets $1.6M in age bias win

Norfolk Southern declared the employee in his mid-60s unfit for duty despite multiple medical clearances and successful completion of two physical evaluations, he alleged.

By Ryan Golden • Oct. 16, 2026

Restaurant chain to pay $3M to settle EEOC allegations of rampant sexual harassment

The agency learned of at least 100 women negatively affected by the work environment at California-based Il Fornaio’s multiple locations, an EEOC attorney said.

By Laurel Kalser • Oct. 16, 2026

Time spent waiting to work is compensable if required, appeals court rules

Lidl employees can continue with their allegations they were required to report to work but couldn’t clock in until a manager unlocked the store.

By Kate Tornone • Oct. 14, 2026

More ‘even-handed’: Understanding EEOC’s direction on national origin bias

Under Trump 2.0, the agency has shifted its focus to anti-American bias rather than discrimination against immigrants.

By Caroline Colvin • Oct. 14, 2026

Roofer sues after allegedly being told ‘no one pays overtime in construction work’

While it is common for certain salaried workers to be exempt from the FLSA’s overtime requirement, blue-collar workers are nonexempt.

By Emilie Shumway • Oct. 13, 2026

SHRM loses service dog trial, owes former job applicant $400K

While SHRM strongly decried the decision and said it was considering an appeal, attorneys for the plaintiff vowed to “vigorously defend” the judgment.

By Emilie Shumway • Oct. 13, 2026

Noncompete agreements may not do what they’re supposed to do

A recent study found that including this restriction in a contract not only makes it difficult to hire workers, it also does not prevent information leaks.

By Lara Ewen • Oct. 13, 2026

FedEx worker’s 6 harassment reports not protected by Title VII, 5th Circuit says

The plaintiff’s allegations of bullying, aggressive and passive aggressive behavior don’t automatically rise to the level of discrimination, the court held.

By Ryan Golden • Oct. 12, 2026

Whole Foods defeats bias suit after catching plaintiff faking time records

A federal judge cited the company’s investigation of video recordings in which the worker immediately left the worksite after clocking in to work.

By Ryan Golden • Oct. 12, 2026

Company’s male-only job openings lead to $500K settlement with EEOC

The commission has repeatedly challenged hiring policies that exclude applicants because of their sex and employers that retaliate against HR professionals for hiring women.

By Ryan Golden • Oct. 12, 2026

EEOC’s FY 2026 was ‘historically anemic’ but big on messaging

As FY 2027 kicks off, a partner at Seyfarth Shaw said he expects to see EEOC keep its attention on Trump administration priorities that have risen to the fore.

By Emilie Shumway • Oct. 9, 2026

EEOC obtains $23K for Muslim barista denied accommodation for Ramadan

A manager at New York’s Hungry Ghost Coffee allegedly refused to let the barista swap shifts so he could honor his religious practice of fasting, the lawsuit said.

By Laurel Kalser • Oct. 9, 2026

DHS proposes $70K fee for initial Optional Practical Training participation

Colleges would be on the hook for up to $100,000 in fees for each international student seeking to participate.

By Natalie Schwartz • Oct. 9, 2026

US authorities crack down on IT outsourcing

Federal authorities suspended Microsoft, Adobe and other big names in the tech space from the permanent labor certification program on Thursday.

By Matt Ashare • Oct. 9, 2026

AAUP gets order over Jewish employee records at Penn ‘off the books’

Although the Trump administration backed off a subpoena, the faculty group won an appeal vacating a court order that instructed the university to comply.

By Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 8, 2026

EEOC moves to rescind conviction and arrest record guidance from 2012

While the EEOC may be rescinding the guidance, employers should not necessarily change their approach, an attorney warned.

By Caroline Colvin • Oct. 8, 2026

Supreme Court sidesteps employment law cases on disability bias, vaccines

Appeals courts have taken up several issues that the justices have so far refused to weigh in on during the new term.

By Ryan Golden • Oct. 7, 2026