On August 22, 2025, the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) published a press release demonstrating its enhanced efforts to protect religious freedom in the workplace. These initiatives include investigating more than 10,000 charges challenging COVID-19 vaccine mandates and pursuing charges and lawsuits involving religious accommodation and antisemitism claims.
Government shutdown continues as start of ACA open enrollment approaches
The US government shutdown has now lasted nearly one month, marking it as the longest full shutdown in US history, surpassing the previous record held by the partial shutdown of 35 days in 2018 – 2019. As the shutdown continues, pressure mounts to reopen the government due to the growing number of uncompensated federal employees and affected programs; however, a resolution remains elusive. A critical deadline is approaching on November 1, 2025, which could further escalate the pressure to end the shutdown, as it is the start of open enrollment for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace.
Layoffs and rightsizing for unionized or unionizing workforces
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
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.
Shutdown-proof: How government contractors can stay cool when Washington heats up
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.
