SLF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT ALERT      May 2007

U.S. Senate Rejects Amendment to Sarbanes-Oxley Act

The U.S. Senate recently rejected an amendment to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act that would have made compliance with certain provisions of the Act voluntary. By a vote of 62-35, the Senate set aside an amendment that would have made compliance with Section 404 of the Act optional for companies with a total market value of less than $700 million. Section 404 requires that publicly traded corporations disclose additional information regarding internal financial controls and also requires that the corporation’s outside auditor provide a public assessment of such controls. The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) is currently looking into ways to provide relief to corporate reporting rules over which the SEC has jurisdiction.

EEOC Issues Guidance on Work/Family Balance Issues

 On May 23, 2007, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) held a meeting to focus on employer best practices to achieve work/family balance. The EEOC also issued written guidance regarding the manner in which various equal opportunity laws apply to employees who have caregiving responsibilities. The guidance is available on the EEOC’s website at www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/caregiving.html. The guidance discusses a number of topics including sex-based stereotyping and subjective decision making with respect to working mothers, assumptions and issues surrounding pregnant employees, discrimination against working fathers and women of color, stereotyping disabled individuals and hostile work environments experienced by caregiving employees.

This issue appears to be gaining traction at EEOC. Employers are encouraged to review their employment manual and other workplace policies with respect to issues concerning caregivers, leave and family support issues.

Past Issues of SLF Labor and Employment Alert Posted on Website

You may view past issues of the SLF Labor and Employment Alert on the Firm’s website: www.sniffenlaw.com. After entering the Firm’s website, click on the “Publications” page.

 

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