News

As dispensaries open their doors across the state, Arkansas employers should have a policy in place for how to deal with medical marijuana in the workplace. One of the questions we have been asked most frequently is what positions qualify as “safety sensitive” under the language of Arkansas’ medical marijuana Amendment (Ark. Const. Amend. XCVIII). While the interpretation of the medical marijuana Amendment has yet to be tested in court, this article addresses our opinion on what positions qualify as “safety sensitive.”

By Allison Pearson The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) recently issued an opinion making it easier for employers to withdraw recognition of a union. The NLRB issued its opinion in Johnson Controls, NLRB, 10-CA-151843, on July 3, 2019, upholding the employer’s anticipatory withdrawal of recognition of a union that represented 160 of its workers.

In the legal world, summer signals the end of several important seasons. The U.S. Supreme Court ends its spring term in June by issuing opinions before it breaks for summer vacation. The Arkansas Legislature wrapped up its 92nd General Assembly on April 24, 2019, and most statutes passed during session go into effect on today (Wednesday, July 24, 2019.) Keep reading for our Supreme Court and legislative updates which highlight the major opinions and legislative updates affecting employment law.

Attorneys Michael S. Moore and Allison C. Pearson, both in the labor and employment practice group at Friday, Eldredge & Clark, were honored last night at the Pulaski County Bar Association’s (PCBA) Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner.

By Michael S. Moore As a result of a recent court opinion, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is enforcing the requirement that employers with 100 or more employees (or more than 50 employees if a federal contractor) file detailed data on wages and hours worked.

By Allison C. Pearson The U.S. Supreme Court issued its opinion in Lamps Plus, Inc. et al. v. Varela on April 24, 2019 (No. 17-988). The Lamps Plus opinion continues this court’s trend of favoring and enforcing arbitration agreements under the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) and has potentially broad implications beneficial to employers.

Friday, Eldredge & Clark, LLP is pleased to announce that 26 attorneys are recognized as “Leaders in Their Field” in eight practice areas in the 2019 Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business.