HR Alerts For April 2018

HR Alerts For April 2018

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Potential Increase of H-2B Visas May Impact Summer Workers

The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor will potentially increase the number of H-2B Visas granted for 2018, as permitted by the funding bill signed on March 23 by President Trump. The H-2B Visa program allows foreign nationals to work in the U.S. during peak seasons, primarily in industries like landscaping, hospitality, seafood processing, and recreation jobs.

Read more about how the increase in H-2B Visas may impact the availability of summer workers here.

 

Second Circuit Rules Sexual Orientation Is Protected By Title VII

In February, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals became the second federal appellate court to rule that under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the word sex includes sexual orientation. The Second Circuit Court’s ruling affects only New York, Vermont, and Connecticut. All three of these states already prohibit discrimination in employment because of sexual orientation, so the ruling does not have a significant impact on employers there.

Circuit courts of appeal often try to align their rulings with the decisions of the other circuits, but most circuits do not recognize sexual orientation as part of sex. The circuits’ conflicting decisions make it more likely that the Supreme Court will accept a case on this issue soon.

Read more about the Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruling here.