Workforce Bulletin

On November 20, 2025, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that it was asking a federal court to compel a private employer to disclose details about its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, pursuant to an administrative subpoena the agency had issued. This is the first known instance of EEOC issuing a subpoena in an investigation of a charge alleging illegal DEI activities.

On December 4, 2025, the New York City Council voted—by more than a two-thirds majority—to override Mayor Eric Adams’ veto of two bills requiring certain businesses to annually report pay data and directing New York City to conduct pay equity studies using that information.

The City Council originally passed the bills on October 9, 2025, as we explained here. Citing concerns about the bills’ clarity and fearing inaccurate reporting from businesses, Mayor Adams vetoed the bills on November 7.

The Council’s action sets in motion the creation of the pay reporting scheme, but ...

Meet Jill Bigler, a dynamic employment attorney who blends litigation experience with practical insights to guide clients through complex workplace challenges.

In this one-on-one interview, Jill joins fellow Epstein Becker Green attorney George Whipple to discuss how her litigation background shapes her approach to drafting agreements and counseling clients. Drawing on her courtroom experience, Jill shares how she helps businesses anticipate outcomes, navigate such gray areas as Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations, and make informed decisions that balance legal risks with business objectives.

Jill also opens up about the emotional side of employment law, offering strategies for managing tensions between employers and employees. From leveraging mediation to resolve disputes, to helping clients separate emotions from business decisions, Jill’s approach emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and a clear-eyed strategy.

With a career rooted in practical problem-solving and a commitment to client success, Jill’s insights offer valuable guidance for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of employment law.

As cybersecurity breaches grow more complex and frequent, regulators are increasingly focused on organizational compliance. Organizations such as Crowdstrike report that in 2025,  cyberattacks are increasing in speed, volume, and sophistication—and cybercrime has evolved as a “highly efficient business.” The escalating threat landscape demands robust security frameworks that can withstand evolving risks.

Enter the amendments announced in November 2023 to the New York’s Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) Cybersecurity Regulation, 23 NYCRR Part 500 (“Amended Regulation”), that became effective on November 1, 2025. This post explores the breadth of these Amended Regulations, and the steps that covered entities need to take now.

As featured in #WorkforceWednesday®: This week, we’re covering new Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidance on reporting tips and overtime, a widened circuit split on National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) authority, and a delayed Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) committee vote on an NLRB nominee.

The digital transformation has led to significant advancements in authentication and identity verification technologies and other cyber defenses. From biometrics to multi-factor authentication (MFA) to use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) enhanced detection and response tools, these systems are the first line of critical defense against unauthorized access in critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing and government. However, with the rapid development of Multi-Modal AI and agentic AI, a new challenge has emerged—one that may compromise the very systems designed to protect us. By integrating multiple forms of data (e.g., voice, video, text) in multi-modal AI and use of agentic AI (automated decision-making with little or no human intervention), malicious actors are increasingly capable of bypassing authentication and identity verification security and other defenses, thereby posing a new level of cybersecurity threat. The rapid deployment of AI integrated into a wide variety of commercial products, platforms and workflows has dramatically expanded the potential attack surface.

As featured in #WorkforceWednesday®: This week, we discuss how the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC’s) new leadership is reshaping workplace policies and enforcement priorities.

The EEOC, now under the leadership of Chair Andrea Lucas and with a full quorum for the first time in years, is signaling shifts in enforcement priorities that could have significant implications for employers.

Epstein Becker Green attorney James D. Mackinson discusses the latest updates from the EEOC and what they mean for employers.

Columbus has expanded its pay equity law, adding new transparency requirements to a salary history ban that took effect in March 2024. On November 3, 2025, the Columbus City Council approved Ordinance 2898-2025 (the “Amendment”), amending Chapter 2335 of the Columbus City Code. Mayor Andrew Ginther signed the Amendment into law the next day.

As featured in #WorkforceWednesday®: This week, we examine what employers should anticipate as the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)—which currently has only one active member, a Democrat, and four vacancies—moves closer to regaining a quorum and resuming full operations.

For the first time in more than 10 months, the NLRB may soon have three members, reestablishing a quorum and potentially impacting employers significantly.

Epstein Becker Green attorney Corey P. Argust discusses the implications as the NLRB moves toward full operations.

As featured in #WorkforceWednesday®: This week, we’re covering the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) launch of Project Firewall to enforce H-1B visa compliance and new guidance on stand-alone fertility benefits, as well as a federal court ruling voiding gender identity protections.