A recent California case demonstrates that an employer’s past ability to accommodate may be considered in an employee’s failure to accommodate claim. In Atkins v. City of Los Angeles, a group of recruit officers suffered temporary injuries during the course of training. The recruits were put in the “Recycle program,” in which they were assigned to light-duty administrative positions until they recovered or were determined to be permanently disabled. However, the Los Angeles Police Department ended the Recycle program while the recruits were still recovering, and asked the recruits to immediately obtain medical clearance to return to training. Upon failure to do so, the Department terminated the recruits.

The City of Los Angeles Office of Wage Standards (OWS) recently revised the Rules and Regulations for Los Angeles’ paid sick leave requirements as well as the corresponding Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Note the following key changes:

The Puerto Rico Equal Pay Act (the “Act”) follows other similar states’ legislation in targeting pay differentials between employees of different genders. The Act prohibits pay discrimination and imposes new regulations on pre-hiring practices.