L&E Global is proud to present you with this special edition of our monthly employment law tracker: 2025, Looking Ahead. We explore the most important trends and developments related to labour and employment law from across the globe.
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Argentina • Australia • Belgium • Brazil • Canada • Chile • China • Colombia • Czech Republic • European UnionFrance • Germany • India • Ireland • Italy • Japan • Mexico • The NetherlandsNorway • Philippines • Poland • Portugal • Romania • Singapore • Spain • Sweden • Switzerland • Türkiye • United Kingdom • United States

Argentina: Key Issues

  1. Reduction of interest rate of labour court claims.
  2. New pro market labour reform bill.
  3. The Supreme Court of the City of Buenos Aires will review the final judgements issued by the National Labour Chambers of Appeals sitting at the City of Buenos Aires.

Argentina: 2025, Looking Ahead

The following are changes and developments in Argentina’s labour laws to look out for in 2025: » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Argentina, please contact Nicolás Grandi (Partner) of Allende & Brea at ngrandi@allende.com or visit www.allende.com.

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Australia: Key Issues

  1. Wage theft laws.
  2. New Fair Work Commission powers.
  3. Casual conversion: employee choice pathway to permanent employment. 
  4. Unfair deactivations and terminations of contract for regulated workers. 
  5. Privacy law reform.
  6. Right to disconnect – small businesses.
  7. Non-compete clauses.
  8. Independent review of the Fair Work Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022 (Cth).

Australia: 2025, Looking Ahead

In 2024, the Australian Government passed several amendments to various laws regulating employment in Australia. These amendments will take effect at different times between now and 2026. With another major round of changes expected to be introduced over the next few years and a federal election coming up in May 2025, employers will need to be prepared to adapt to the changing regulatory landscape. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Australia, please contact Michael Harmer (Partner) of Harmers Workplace Lawyers at michael.harmer@Harmers.com.au or visit www.harmers.com.au.

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Belgium: Key Issues

  1. Main novelties of 2025.
  2. Topics under discussion in federal negotiations.

Belgium: 2025, Looking Ahead

Belgium held elections on 9 June 2024 and negotiations for forming a federal government are still ongoing at the start of 2025. Below, we first look at some reforms that entered into force at the beginning of 2025. Then, we have a sneak peek at some of the possible reforms that are being discussed by the current coalition partners. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Belgium, please contact Chris Van Olmen (Partner) of Van Olmen & Wynant at chris.van.olmen@vow.be or visit www.vow.be.

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Brazil: Key Issues

  1. New rules for remuneration policy for Insurance Companies, Open Supplementary Pension Entities (EAPCs),capitalization companies and local reinsurers.

Brazil: 2025, Looking Ahead

The National Council of Private Insurance Resolution No. 476/2024 was published in December 2024 to establish new rules for remuneration policy for insurance companies, open supplementary pension entities (EAPCs), capitalization companies and local reinsurers. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Brazil, please contact Gabriela Lima (Partner) of TozziniFreire at glima@tozzinifreire.com.br or visit www.tozzinifreire.com.br.

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Canada: Key Issues

  1. Legislation.
  2. Litigation.
  3. Trends.

Canada: 2025, Looking Ahead

In 2025, Looking Ahead, we explore the trends and developments in labour and employment law that we expect will impact employers operating in Canada in the year to come. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Canada, please contact Robert Bayne (Partner) of Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti at rbayne@filion.on.ca or visit www.filion.on.ca.

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Chile: Key Issues

  1. Decree 44 of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
  2. Law No. 21,364.
  3. Bills on labour matters that discussions could advance in the national congress.
  4. Implementation of the Karin Law and the Labour Inclusion Law.

Chile: 2025, Looking Ahead: Our Vision for Employers

In 2024, Chile saw significant changes in labour laws, including the "Law of Conciliation of Personal, Family and Work Life" in January, the "40 Hours Law" reducing the workweek in April, and the "Karin Law" in August. With these laws still being implemented, 2025 is expected to have fewer legal changes, partly due to it being an election year, which typically slows legislative processes. However, anticipated changes include new regulations on occupational risks and transparency laws affecting employer sanctions. Additionally, other bills may spark important discussions in the labor sector. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Chile, please contact Bárbara Zlatar (Partner) of Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos at bzlatar@cariola.cl or visit www.cariola.cl.

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China: Key Issues

  1. Legislative developments.
  2. Local regulations.
  3. Legislative drafts.

China: 2025, Looking Ahead

As we step into the year 2025, several legislative developments have either come into effect or are set to take effect in China. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in China, please contact Carol Zhu (Partner) of Zhong Lun Law Firm at carol.zhu@zhonglun.com or visit www.zhonglun.com.

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Colombia: Key Issues

  1. Wage increases and key reference values for the year 2025.
  2. Labour reforms.
  3. Reform of the labour procedural code.

Colombia: 2025, Looking Ahead

In 2025, the private sector faces significant challenges due to key reforms and legislative changes. These include the implementation of pension reform, advancements in labour reform, updates to the Labour Procedural Code, and new regulations to prevent workplace and sexual harassment in Colombia. Additionally, ongoing health reform will alter the contracting of health professionals and the care of social security contributors. Employers must closely monitor these changes to assess their impact on organizations, presenting both challenges and opportunities. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Colombia, please contact Angelica Carrion (Partner) of López & Asociados at angelica.carrion@lopezasociados.net or visit www.lopezasociados.net

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Czech Republic: Key Issues

  1. Self-scheduling of working hours by employees.
  2. Flexible amendment to the Labour Code.
  3. Minimum wage indexation mechanism.

Czech Republic: 2025, Looking Ahead

The year 2025 brings further significant changes in employment law in the Czech Republic. These changes respond to current labour market trends and reflect the needs of both employers and employees. Below is a detailed overview of these changes and their practical implications. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in the Czech Republic, please contact Jan Koval (Partner) of Havel & Partners at jan.koval@havelpartners.cz or visit www.havelpartners.cz.

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European Union: Key Issues

  1. New European Works Council directive.
  2. Regulating the digital impact in the world of work.
  3. Social dialogue.
  4. Transposition of Recast Asbestos Directive.
  5. Partial entry into force of the AI ACT.
  6. Other directives with significant impact in 2025.

European Union: 2025, Looking Ahead

The following are changes in the labour landscape expected to affect employers and employees alike within the European Union. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in European Union, please contact Chris Van Olmen (Partner) of Van Olmen & Wynant at chris.van.olmen@vow.be or visit www.vow.be.

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France: Key Issues

  1. Labour measures announced to date by the new government.
  2. Implementation of EU directives.

France: 2025, Looking Ahead

The unstable political situation in France makes it difficult to anticipate future legislative changes in 2025. Following the fall of the government formed under former Prime Minister Michel Barnier, a new government was announced on 23 December 2024 under the new Prime Minister, François Bayrou. Given that the new government still does not hold a majority in Parliament, whether it will be able to survive will depend on its capacity to pass a new budget through Parliament in the next few weeks. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in France, please contact Stéphanie Dumas (Partner) of Flichy Grangé Avocats at dumas@flichy.com or visit www.flichygrange.com.

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Germany: Key Issues

  1. Bureaucracy Relief Act and its practical effects in employment law.
  2. Increase in minimum wage and mini-job limit.
  3. Increase in equalization levy for severely disabled persons.
  4. Change in the taxation of severance payments.
  5. Outlook regarding the Pay Transparency Directive.
  6. Short-time work.
  7. Income contribution ceilings for social security.

Germany: 2025, Looking Ahead

In 2025, Looking Ahead, we explore the most important trends and developments related to labour and employment law in Germany. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Germany, please contact Dr. Tobias Pusch (Partner) of Pusch Wahlig Workplace Law at pusch@pwwl.de or visit www.pwwl.de.

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India: Key Issues

  1. Implementation of Labour Codes.
  2. Strengthening of regulatory framework governing gig and platform workers.
  3. A new data privacy regime for employers.
  4. Employment linked incentive scheme.
  5. Work-life balace: working hours and overtime.

India: 2025, Looking Ahead

As we step into 2025, the landscape of labour and employment law in India continues to evolve, driven by technological advancements, shifting societal expectations, and changing regulatory frameworks. This year promises to bring new challenges and opportunities for both employers and employees, with an increased focus on workplace rights, diversity and inclusion, and the adaptation of policies to meet the demands of a globalized workforce. Below, we have set out certain key developments that employers and HR leaders should consider while evaluating and preparing their organizational policies and practices for the year ahead. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in India, please contact Avik Biswas (Partner) of Khaitan & Co at avik.biswas@khaitanco.com or visit www.khaitanco.com.  

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Ireland: Key Issues

  1. Pensions auto-enrolment.
  2. Expanded gender pay gap reporting.
  3. Increased statutory sick leave.
  4. National minimum wage increase.

Ireland: 2025, Looking Ahead

The following is a brief discussion of each employment law watchlist for 2025 in Ireland. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Ireland, please contact Aoife Bradley (Partner) of LK Shields at abradley@lkshields.ie or visit www.lkshields.ie

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Italy: Key Issues

  1. Interventions of the Italian Constitutional Court on the so-called “Jobs Act.”
  2. Key provisions of the so-called “DDL Lavoro intorduced in December 2024.
  3. Fixed-term employment contracts.
  4. Digital nomads visa.
  5. The European AI Act and its impacts on Italian Labour Law.

Italy: 2025, Looking Ahead

Several and significant legislative interventions have been introduced in the course of the year 2024, and they are expected to have a notable impact in the world of employment in Italy in 2025. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Italy, please contact Angelo Zambelli (Partner) of Zambelli & Partners at angelo.zambelli@zambellipartners.com or visit www.zambellipartners.com/en/

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Japan: Key Issues

  1. Amendment to the mandatory retirement age system.
  2. Amendment to the Child Care and Nursing Care Act.
  3. Upcoming amendments effective 1 April 2025.

Japan: 2025, Looking Ahead

Here are changes to be implemented and are already in effect that will impact the employment scheme in Japan. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Japan, please contact Tatsuo Yamashima (Partner) of Atsumi & Sakai at tatsuo.yamashima@aplaw.jp or visit www.aplaw.jp/en/

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Mexico: Key Issues

  1. COVID-19.
  2. Compliance.
  3. Vacation.
  4. Mandatory rest days.
  5. Collective matters.
  6. Telework and cross-border remote work.
  7. Subcontracting and profit sharing.
  8. Recent amendments to the federal labour and labour and employment dispositions: Chair Law, Gender Equality and Digital Platforms Law.
  9. Proposed possible amendments to Mexican labour and employment regulations for 2025.

Mexico: 2025, Looking Ahead

2024 was marked by significant transitions in Mexico, as the country embarks on a new administration that will bring a range of legal and constitutional reforms with considerable implications for the business and labour sectors. This change in government comes amidst expectations that the new administration will continue the progressive leftist trends of the outgoing government, with a renewed focus on policies that benefit workers, specially focusing on gender equality and gender perspective. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Mexico, please contact Oscar De La Vega Gomez (Partner) of De La Vega & Martinez Rojas at odelavega@dlvmr.com.mx or visit www.dlvmr.com

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The Netherlands: Key Issues

  1. End of Enforcement Moratorium Dutch Tax Authority.
  2. Contribution to unemployment insurance.
  3. Indexations.
  4. Registration of carbon emissions.
  5. Legislative proposal clarification of assessment of employment relationships and legal presumption.

The Netherlands: 2025, Looking Ahead

In 2025, the following employment law matters will change: » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in the Netherlands, please contact Christiaan Oberman (Partner) of Palthe Oberman at oberman@paltheoberman.nl or visit www.paltheoberman.nl.

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Norway: Key Issues

  1. Minor changes introduced on 1 January 2025.
  2. Restrictions on hiring from staffing agencies.
  3. Sick leave benefits.

Norway: 2025, Looking Ahead

The last couple of years, labour law in Norway has been characterized by a number of legislative changes. Looking ahead 2025, it is expected that fewer and more limited legislative changes under the current government will be introduced before parliament elections in September. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Norway, please contact Håkon Andreassen (Partner) of Helmr at hakon.andreassen@helmr.no or visit www.helmr.no.

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Philippines: Key Issues

  1. Pending bills on freelance workers' rights: a step toward fairer and safer work conditions.
  2. Ruling on employee status in the gig economy: the Supreme Court's decision in Borromeo vs. Lazada E-Services Philippines, Inc.

Philippines: 2025, Looking Ahead

The following are key developments involving workers in the gig economy to look forward to in the Philippines this 2025. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in the Philippines, please contact Rashel Ann C. Pomoy (Partner) of Villaraza & Angangco at rc.pomoy@thefirmva.com or visit https://www.thefirmva.com.

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Poland: Key Issues

  1. Christmas Eve shall become a public holiday.
  2. Additional leave for parents of premature babies.
  3. The minimum wage in 2025 and the Minimum Wage Bill.
  4. Law on ESG reporting.
  5. Changes to the health contribution of entrepreneurs.

Poland: 2025, Looking Ahead

2025 is expected to bring changes and new challenges for employers in Poland. Among other things, employers should prepare for the establishment of a new public holiday—Christmas Eve—and the introduction of an additional trading Sunday in December (trade is banned on most Sundays in Poland), additional leave for parents of premature babies, and changes to the minimum wage. In addition, the employers will have to adapt to new ESG reporting obligations. Modifications to entrepreneurs' health contributions are upcoming as well. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Poland, please contact Prof. Arkadiusz Sobczyk (Partner) of Sobczyk & Partners Law Firm at arkadiusz.sobczyk@sobczyk.com.pl or visit www.sobczyk.com.pl.

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Portugal: Key Issues

  1. Remuneration and benefits.
  2. State incentives for hiring.
  3. Equality and wellbeing at work.
  4. Other macro developments and trends.

Portugal: 2025, Looking Ahead

As we enter 2025, several legislative changes and initiatives are expected to influence employment and labour law in Portugal. Here is an overview of the relevant upcoming developments: » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Portugal, please contact César Sá Esteves (Partner) of SRS Legal at cesar.esteves@srslegal.pt or visit www.srslegal.pt.

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Romania: Key Issues

  1. Implementing the changes in the Labour Code.
  2. Minimum wage.
  3. Collective bargaining.
  4. Potential other changes in legal provisions.

Romania: 2025, Looking Ahead

The following are changes in the Labour Code, minimum wage, and collective bargaining agreements that will affect the overall employment landscape in Romania. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Romania, please contact Magda Volonciu (Partner) of Magda Volonciu and Associates at magdavolonciu@volonciu.ro or visit https://volonciu.ro/.

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Singapore: Key Issues

  1. New Workplace Fairness Bill to protect Singapore employees against discrimination.
  2. Further updates: enhanced parental leave and mandatory paternity leave.

Singapore: 2025, Looking Ahead

A new Workplace Fairness Bill was introduced and the parental and mandatory paternity leaves are set to be enhanced in Singapore. Below are the details for these employment-related topics. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Singapore, please contact Thomas Choo (Partner) of Clyde & Co Clasis at Thomas.Choo@clydeco.com or visit www.clydeco.com.

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Spain: Key Issues

  1. Minimum interprofessional wage for 2025.
  2. Reduction of working hours and digital disconnection.
  3. Recording of working hours and digitalisation.
  4. Measures for real and effective equality for LGBTQI people.
  5. Severance pay.
  6. Termination of employment contract due to permanent incapacity.
  7. Reform of the law on the prevention of occupational risks.
  8. Status of trainees.
  9. Social security contributions.
  10. Sustainable mobility plans.

Spain: 2025, Looking Ahead

Now that 2025 has arrived, Spain’s labour framework stands on the cusp of significant transformations. From adjustments to the minimum wage and working hours to newly proposed regulations on digital disconnection, equality measures for the LGBTIQ community, and updates on dismissal compensations, the upcoming year promises a range of legislative and policy changes. These initiatives aim to modernize employment relations, better protect employees’ rights, and align national regulations with European guidelines and global employment standards. The following newsletter provides an overview of these possible reforms, helping both employers and employees prepare for the evolving legal landscape. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Spain, please contact Iván Suárez (Partner) of Suárez de Vivero at isuarez@suarezdevivero.com or visit www.suarezdevivero.com.

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Sweden: Key Issues

  1. Obligation to offer indefinite-term employment to long-term temporary agency workers.
  2. A new structure for the statutes issued by the Swedish Work Environment Authority aims to clarify work environment responsibilities.
  3. A new Unemployment Insurance Act introduces significant changes to the Swedish unemployment insurance system.
  4. The 2025 collective bargaining process: renegotiation of numerous collective bargaining agreements.

Sweden: 2025, Looking Ahead

Below are the changes in labour laws in Sweden expected to modify the employment landscape this year: » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Sweden, please contact Robert Stromberg (Partner) of Cederquist at robert.stromberg@cederquist.se or visit www.cederquist.se.

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Switzerland: Key Issues

  1. Mandatory Pension Fund (2nd Pillar): increase in the entry threshold and the coordination deduction.
  2. Revision of the Code of Civil Procedure: important changes for employment law proceedings.
  3. Increase in the minimum rates for family allowances.
  4. New law on taxation of cross-border commuters.

Switzerland: 2025, Looking Ahead

The following are significant developments in employment laws in Switzerland this 2025. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Switzerland, please contact André Lerch (Partner) of lelex Attorneys at Law at lerch@lelex.law or visit www.lelex.law.

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Türkiye: Key Issues

  1. National minimum wage increase.
  2. Upper limit for severance payment increase.
     

Türkiye: 2025, Looking Ahead

Some important employment-related developments in Turkey include the increase in minimum wage and the increase in upper limit severance payment. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in Türkiye, please contact Burcu Tuzcu Ersin (Partner) of Moroğlu Arseven at btuzcu@morogluarseven.com or visit www.morogluarseven.com.

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United Kingdom: Key Issues

  1. Redundancies, restructuring and terminations.
  2. Workplace culture and behaviour.
  3. Diversity, equality & inclusion and Family friendly rights.
  4. Wellbeing and mental health.
  5. Artificial intelligence (AI).
  6. Workplace law changes in 2025.  

United Kingdom: 2025, Looking Ahead: Top 5 Issues for UK Employers

This is our selection of the key issues we think will be significant for UK employers, HR professionals and in-house lawyers during 2025. » Read More

United Kingdom: Workplace Law Changes in 2025

We set out key dates for your diary and the UK employment law changes you can expect to see in 2025, as well as steps to take to prepare for these. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in the United Kingdom, please contact Robert Hill (Partner) of Clyde & Co at Robert.Hill@clydeco.com or visit www.clydeco.com.

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USA: Key Issues

  1. The year ahead 2025.
  2. President-Elect Trump’s impact on employer issues of interest.
  3. Privacy blizzard expected in January as five state laws take effect.
  4. U.S. Supreme Court: no judicial review of revoked visa petitions.
  5. Diversity in Boardrooms: Why Nasdaq companies still need to be mindful despite recently invalidated rule.

USA: The Year Ahead 2025

Employers know that stability is central to workplace productivity and profitability, so how can you stay balanced while the legal ground is consistently shifting under your feet? The Year Ahead 2025 assesses the factors motivating current and coming changes in employment + labor law so that you can move your initiatives and compliance strategies forward with more certainty. » Read More

USA: President-Elect Trump’s Impact on Employer Issues of Interest

What changes in workplace law should employers anticipate given both Donald J. Trump’s election to be the 47th U.S. president and the results of Congressional and state races? 

Our post-Election 2024 coverage explores key employer issues and offers practical insights analyzed in light of the president-elect’s proposed policies to date. » Read More

USA: Privacy Blizzard Expected in January as Five State Laws Take Effect

Around the country, the weather is turning wintery, but in the privacy arena, there will be a blizzard as five state comprehensive privacy laws become effective. » Read More

USA: U.S. Supreme Court: No Judicial Review of Revoked Visa Petitions

The U.S. Supreme Court held in Bouarfa v. Mayorkas, No. 23-583 (Dec. 10, 2024), that one cannot appeal a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) revocation of an approved visa petition in federal court because such revocation is a discretionary agency decision, thus not subject to judicial review. » Read More

USA: Diversity in Boardrooms: Why Nasdaq Companies Still Need to Be Mindful Despite Recently Invalidated Rule

In a 9-8 en banc decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit overturned a three-judge panel decision and invalidated the Nasdaq Board Diversity Rule, Rule 506, that had been approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). On Dec. 11, 2024, the court ruled the Diversity Rule is not consistent with the purposes and requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and vacated the SEC approval. The court pointed out, however, that nothing prevents companies from voluntarily disclosing demographic information about their directors. » Read More

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in the United States, please contact John Sander (Principal) of Jackson Lewis at john.sander@jacksonlewis.com or visit www.jacksonlewis.com.

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