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As an attorney in Robinson+Cole’s Labor, Employment, Benefits + Immigration Group, I represent manufacturers in all areas of labor and employment law.  This includes discharge and discrimination issues, workplace investigations, affirmative action compliance, employee discipline, wage and hour issues, disability and reasonable accommodation, family and medical leave, unemployment, training, and defense in federal and state court and before administrative agencies. My full firm bio can be accessed here.

I represent manufacturers in the aerospace, consumer goods, machinery and other industries, which involves identifying practical, cost-effective and realistic solutions that prioritize and solidly execute the client’s objectives.  Manufacturers face unique challenges stemming from compliance with ever-changing industry regulations, including those impacting federal contractors.  Early in my career, I toured a client’s facility facing union-related struggles and realized that only through observing the workplace on the ground level can an attorney successfully understand and represent businesses.  As an employment attorney, I work alongside clients as a true partner to further their key personnel and human resources goals, including efficient and safe operations, recruitment and retention of talent, diversity and inclusion, among other issues. Whether advising on a leadership transition or on compliance with wage payment laws, the aim is always the same – to solve problems so clients can focus their attention on doing what they do best - manufacturing.

This post was co-authored by Labor + Employment Group lawyer Jessica C. Pinto.

Manufacturers that are covered federal contractors may be wondering when they are required to certify compliance with the affirmative action plan regulations. At this point, the answer is not clear and recent proposals from the Trump administration may explain why.

The

This post was co-authored by Labor + Employment Group lawyer Bryce Simmons.

Every year, private sector employers with 100 or more employees, and federal contractors with 50 or more employees who met certain criteria, are required to submit workforce demographic data to the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Such employers may also be

This post was co-authored by Labor + Employment Group lawyer Christopher Costain.

Trees are beginning to bloom, and bees are buzzing in flower fields as spring is officially underway. As summertime approaches and temperatures continue to rise, employers should be prepared for “Spring Things,” such as navigating employee summer vacation schedules, hosting summer outings

This post was co-authored by Labor + Employment Group lawyer Christopher Costain.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has been a regular topic of the flurry of executive orders issued by President Trump since his inauguration. Even before his return to the Oval Office, there was speculation about how the EEOC’s enforcement activities and

This post was co-authored by Labor + Employment Group lawyer Madison C. Picard.

On January 21, President Trump signed an executive order titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity” (the Order), revoking Executive Order 11246, the long-standing order that required federal contractors to engage in affirmative action, including by annually developing Affirmative Action

This post was co-authored by Labor + Employment Group lawyers Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson and Christopher A. Costain.

As we look ahead to 2025, several important labor and employment law changes, planned and potential, are on the horizon. With President Trump set to return to the Oval Office on January 20, 2025, labor and employment law

This post was co-authored by Labor + Employment Group lawyer Christopher A. Costain.

As most manufacturers know, the Connecticut Legislature passed significant amendments to the Connecticut Paid Sick Leave (PSL) law, which are set to go into effect on January 1, 2025, and pertains to employers with 25 or more employees. Just in time

This post was co-authored by Labor + Employment Group lawyer Madison C. Picard.

Last week, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas vacated and set aside the United States Department of Labor’s (DOL) final rule raising the minimum salary threshold for the Fair Labor Standards Act’s (FLSA) white-collar overtime exemption.

This post was co-authored by Labor + Employment Group lawyer Madison C. Picard.

There is no greater Halloween horror for employers than a workplace celebration that creates legal risks such as inappropriate costumes or safety hazards, among other issues. Thus, there are many considerations when planning an office celebration for this spooky holiday.

This post was co-authored by Labor + Employment Group lawyer Madison C. Picard.

As the seasons change, so do manufacturers’ priorities. Fall is typically one of the busiest hiring periods of the calendar year, so many manufacturers are likely bracing themselves for this challenge. That said, there were several significant labor and employment updates