This week we are trying out a new feature on our Blog.  A weekly round-up of important, interesting, practical, or funny employment law information and news posted in blogs or otherwise on the world wide web during the past week.  Please contact us with any information or feedback.  Here we go for the first edition:

The Des Moines Register reports that key information was withheld from the Iowa Civil Rights Commission in connection with its investigation of racial bias by Iowa Workforce Development.    The investigation is part of a class action lawsuit alleging the Agency engaged in a pattern of failing to hire black applicants over a number of year.

New ADA Regulations coming soon.   The Washington Labor & Employment Wire notes that the EEOC voted to publish a Notice of Proposed Rule making.  Once the proposed regulations are published, there is a 60 day period for comments from the public.   The EEOC press release on the subject is here.    The EEOC has also published a Q&A document concerning the proposed rule making.

 EFCA Report discusses the many high profile politicians that have addressed the AFL-CIO constitutional convention this week.  Senator Specter (D-Pa) discussed a revised EFCA that would eliminate the controversial "card-check" feature of the bill.  However, the revised EFCA would still contain the binding arbitration provision and enhanced penalties for unfair labor practices that business interests strongly oppose.   In addition, while it eliminated card check, the proposed compromise bill shortens dramatically the time period between a petition for election and the actual election, thus reducing the time an employer would have to mount a campaign opposing the union.

Most sexual harassment cases involve female employees complaining about males, but occasionally it is the other way around.  The EEOC announced it is pursuing claims against a South Carolina Time Share resort because of alleged sexual harassment by a female supervisor of a male subordinate.  

For another example of the impact of internet social media on workplace litigation, see this post at the Delaware Employment Law Blog.

Ross Runkel’s LawMemo Employment Law Blog contains a link to a 79 page report issued by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce concerning what changes to expect the Obama NLRB. 

Finally, in light of the recent  public outbursts, tantrums, or otherwise offensive remarks Serena Williams, Rep. Joe Wilson (R., S.C.), rapper Kayne West, and other public figures, Work Matters Blog contains a thoughtful post about the art of the apology and how it can contribute to more civil behavior both in and out of the workplace.