By Wendy Lario and Courteney Lario | Greenberg Traurig, LLP. On August 9, 2019, New York state amended its Human Rights Law (NYSHRL) to expressly include the workplace protection of religious attire, clothing, and facial hair. The law becomes effective in sixty (60) days, on October 8, 2019. While religious discrimination has long been outlawed under both state and federal law, this amendment makes clear that the definition of religion in New York state’s existing anti-discrimination statute includes bias against any...

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed yesterday Senate Bill S6577/Assembly Bill 8421, a law that changes the landscape of workplace discrimination and harassment litigation in New York. The law applies to all New York employers and even addresses discrimination against independent contractors. Among other significant changes highlighted in our update, the new law: Removes the requirement that individuals prove that harassment was severe or pervasive Opens the door for employers to be held liable in some cases where an individual...

By Norma M. Krayem |  Sr Policy Advisor - Chair, Global Cybersecurity & Privacy Policy and Regulatory Team | Holland & Knight LLP With a focus on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, attention is turning to what the future of “connected everything” means for manufacturing. Cybersecurity as a systemic risk Manufacturing has long been a foundational part of the global economy and a leader in technological innovation. In a world dominated by a focus on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and what has been...

If you are subject to the New York or California laws requiring sexual harassment prevention training, be aware that time is running out to comply with the new legal requirements.   The upcoming deadlines for training under the new laws are: NY: October 9, 2019 CA: January 1, 2020 New York State law applies to employers with any employees who work at least a portion of their time within the state. California law applies to employers with 5 or more employees. For further information...

Key Events This Week Trump doubles down on China The Trump administration heightened its trade war with China on Monday by labelling China a currency manipulator. The move came after the currency fell below 7 yuan to the US dollar for the first time since 2008. This is an extension of the downward spiral in diplomatic relations. In simplistic terms, a weaker yuan makes Chinese exports more competitive, or cheaper to buy with foreign currencies and from the US perspective, it...

By Scott Ferguson, CEO, World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) It’s no surprise that in the current geopolitical climate, people are facing economic uncertainty all around the world. Escalating trade tensions between various countries and economic slowdowns in others have contributed to this uncertainty. So what can be done at a local level to encourage growth and prosperity while mitigating these challenges? In the second annual WTCA Trade and Investment Report: Navigating Uncertainty, conducted by the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) in partnership...

Caroline Froger-Michon & Christopher Jordan | CMS We can no longer imagine our professional lives without modern information and communication technology. It is common for employers to provide employees with technology such as smartphones or notebooks. These communication and productivity tools are also used for social media – in both business and personal use – and are often not switched off by employees, even in their leisure time. Employees receive e-mails and calls in the evenings, on weekends, and during...

By Iulian Sorescu & Bogdan Nicolae Paunescu | Noerr On 3 July 2019, the Ministry of Public Finances published two draft amendments of state aid legislation, specifically the state aid scheme governed by G.D. 807/2014 on investment in assets and the state aid scheme governed by G.D. 332/2014 on job creation. Several amendments have been proposed and are waiting to be approved by the Ministry of Public Finances after discussions with the private sector. Here are the most important ones: G.D. 807/2014...