EMPLOYEE BENEFITS BLOG

Layoffs and rightsizing for unionized or unionizing workforces

by Christopher Foster, Marjorie C. Soto Garcia and Tony W. Torain, II | Oct 23, 2025 | Employment, Labor

As economic shifts and advancements in artificial intelligence reshape workforce needs, executive teams and boards are reevaluating their strategies. Unionized workforces – or those in the process of unionizing – present unique challenges, particularly in light of National Labor Relations Board developments. Careful planning is essential to navigating these uncharted waters.

To help address these challenges, McDermott Will & Schulte’s labor practice recently shared key insights on the legal and strategic considerations at play. View their analysis and presentation here.

California’s new AI rules under FEHA took effect October 1, 2025

by Nicholas Neathamer, Brian Casillas and Marjorie C. Soto Garcia | Oct 21, 2025 | Employment, Privacy and Data Security

Beginning October 1, 2025, California employers must comply with new Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) regulations on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and automated decision systems in hiring and employment. The rules primarily pertain to three compliance areas: bias testing, recordkeeping, and vendor liability. Employers should start preparing now to avoid exposure once the rules take effect.

Learn more about California’s new AI rules here.

Shutdown-proof: How government contractors can stay cool when Washington heats up

by Daniel Graham, Llewelyn Engel and Peter M. (Mac) Routh | Oct 16, 2025 | Uncategorized

The US government’s funding lapsed on October 1, 2025. For government contractors, this means navigating immediate uncertainty in maintaining operations and mitigating financial exposure.

This client alert provides practical strategies to help contractors navigate the shutdown effectively, including key considerations for reassignments, furloughs, and reductions in force if they are required.

The GLP-1 effect: Innovative care delivery models and compliant disease management

by James Ravitz, Jayda Greco, Paul Gadiock and Jae Hyun Lee | Oct 14, 2025 | Employee Benefits, Health and Welfare Plans

GLP-1 therapies are transforming obesity and chronic disease treatment, yet navigating their complex regulatory landscape remains critical. From the Food and Drug Administration’s ‘Green List’ to state-specific rules, compliance isn’t optional – it’s a strategic advantage.

In a recent webinar, McDermott Will & Schulte’s Health & Life Sciences Group explored strategies for scaling GLP-1 programs, covering topics like innovative care delivery models, direct-to-consumer advertising enforcement, and compliance best practices.

Access the webinar recording and key takeaways here.

ESOP legislation gains bipartisan support: A look at recent Senate bills

by Allison Wilkerson and Myriem Bennani | Oct 9, 2025 | Employee Benefits, Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), Retirement Plans

Recent bipartisan US Senate proposals aim to strengthen Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) by streamlining their formation for small businesses and expanding US Department of Labor support. The legislation reflects growing consensus that ESOPs enhance retirement security and employee engagement, aligning with broader efforts to modernize benefit structures.

In this BenefitsPRO article, Allison Wilkerson and Myriem Bennani break down the legislation and the implications for ESOP trustees.