The 2018 elections produced a divided
Congress but largely unified states. From Alaska to Florida, thirty-six states,
covering more than three-quarters of the population, are now controlled by
“trifectas,” with one party in charge of both legislative chambers and the governorship.
At the same time, movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter; alt-labor
groups at Uber, Lyft, and Google; and institutions like unions, trade
associations, and think-tanks have been campaigning for scores of changes to
the basic rules of workplace governance. The conditions and climate for
significant worklaw reform have finally aligned—but not at the federal level.
This panel reviews the recent developments with an eye toward the most likely,
important, or ambitious proposals for state and locally-based employment,
labor, and discrimination law reforms in the future. Innovative responses to Epic
Systems v. Lewis, Janus v. AFSCME, contracting arrangements, gig
work, wage theft, appearance codes, etc. will be considered.
Business meeting at program conclusion.