EEOC Summaries of Reasonable Accommodations

The EEOC has summarized Reasonable Accommodations in various contexts:

 

Reasonable Accommodation & Disability

The law requires that an employer provide reasonable accommodation to an employee or job applicant with a disability, unless doing so would cause significant difficulty or expense for the employer.

A reasonable accommodation is any change in the workplace (or in the ways things are usually done) to help a person with a disability apply for a job, perform the duties of a job, or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment. Reasonable accommodation might include, for example, providing a ramp for a wheelchair user or providing a reader or interpreter for a blind or deaf employee or applicant.

Reasonable Accommodation & Pregnancy, Childbirth, or Related Medical Conditions 

The law requires that an employer provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified employee or job applicant with a known limitation related to, affected by, or arising out of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless doing so would cause significant difficulty or expense for the employer. A reasonable accommodation is any change in the workplace (or in the ways things are usually done) to help a person with a known limitation apply for a job, perform a job, or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment. Reasonable accommodation might include, for example, allowing additional break times for the worker to rest, drink, eat, or use the restroom, allowing a worker who usually stands to perform their job to sit, telework, or leave for medical appointments or to recover from childbirth.

Reasonable Accommodation & Religion

The law requires an employer to reasonably accommodate an employee’s religious beliefs or practices, unless doing so would cause difficulty or expense for the employer. This means an employer may have to make reasonable adjustments at work that will allow the employee to practice his or her religion, such as allowing an employee to voluntarily swap shifts with a co- worker so that he or she can attend religious services.

From <https://www.eeoc.gov/prohibited-employment-policiespractices>

 

 

Williams, McClure & Parmelee is dedicated to high quality legal representation of businesses in a variety of matters. We are experienced Texas employment law attorneys based in Fort Worth who know Texas courts and Texas law. For more information, please contact the law firm at 817-335-8800. The firm’s office location is 5601 Bridge Street, Suite 300, Fort Worth, Texas 76112.

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Laws and Regulations Impacting the 3PL Industry in Texas

Several new laws and regulations are impacting the 3PL industry in Texas, particularly those related to labor, safety, and trade. 3PLs must stay informed about updates to labor laws like the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), as well as the impact of trade policies and tariffs on their operations. Additionally, there are ongoing requirements for renewing licenses and complying with federal regulations like the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA). 3PLs must also comply with laws to prevent unfair treatment and promote diversity, impacting hiring and workforce management. Other examples of some key areas affecting logistics:

  • Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations:

    Impacts trucking and transportation operations within the 3PL sector, including hours of service and safety standards. 
  • Tariff and Trade Agreements:

    Changes in tariffs and trade agreements can significantly impact the cost and efficiency of international shipping operations for 3PLs.
  • Import and Export Restrictions:
    These can disrupt supply chains and require 3PLs to find alternative routes or suppliers. 
  • Infrastructure Investment:
    Federal infrastructure spending, including road, bridge, and port improvements, can directly impact the efficiency and cost of logistics operations for 3PLs. 
  • Environmental Regulations:
    Growing environmental policies are impacting 3PL operations, particularly in warehouse and transportation aspects. 
  • Automation and Robotics:
    The integration of these technologies in warehousing and inventory management is revolutionizing the 3PL industry. 

Staying Informed:

3PLs should stay informed about these regulations by consulting with legal and compliance professionals and leveraging specialized compliance services and software to track updates and ensure ongoing compliance.

 

 

Williams, McClure & Parmelee is dedicated to high quality legal representation of businesses and 3PL’s in a variety of matters. We are experienced Texas civil transactional attorneys based in Fort Worth who know Texas businesses and Texas law. For more information, please contact the law firm at 817-335-8800. The firm’s office location is 5601 Bridge Street, Suite 300, Fort Worth, Texas 76112.

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Outsourcing General Counsel Has Advantages for Texas Businesses

Outsourcing general counsel provides businesses with cost savings, access to specialized expertise, and enhanced scalability, while allowing them to focus on core competencies. It offers a flexible and cost-effective alternative to hiring a full-time in-house attorney, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. Additionally, it can improve risk management and ensure compliance with evolving legal regulations. Here’s a further look at the advantages:

    • Cost Savings:
      Outsourcing eliminates the need for fixed costs associated with a full-time in-house counsel, including salary, benefits, and office space. Businesses pay only for the services they need, making it a more flexible and cost-effective solution. 
    • Focus on Core Competencies:
      By outsourcing general counsel, businesses can redirect their internal resources and focus on their core business functions, improving efficiency and productivity. 
    • Risk Management:
      Outsourced counsel can proactively identify and manage legal risks, helping businesses avoid expensive litigation and fines. 
    • Scalability:
      Outsourcing allows businesses to adjust their legal support as needed, providing flexibility and cost-effectiveness in times of fluctuating legal needs. 
    • Improved Efficiency:
      Outsourced counsel can serve as a single point of contact for all legal matters, streamlining communication and improving coordination with other outside counsel. 
    • Enhanced Compliance:
      Outsourced general counsel can provide ongoing legal guidance to ensure compliance with ever-changing regulations, minimizing the risk of penalties and legal disputes. 
    • Flexibility:
      Businesses can leverage outsourced counsel for both short-term projects and ongoing legal support, avoiding the need to hire and train permanent staff. 
    • Access to Specialized Expertise:
      Outsourced general counsel can provide specialized legal expertise tailored to the business’s specific industry, saving time and money by avoiding the need to hire multiple specialists. 

 

 

Williams, McClure & Parmelee is dedicated to high quality legal representation of businesses in a variety of matters. We are experienced Texas civil transactional attorneys based in Fort Worth who know Texas businesses and Texas law. For more information, please contact the law firm at 817-335-8800. The firm’s office location is 5601 Bridge Street, Suite 300, Fort Worth, Texas 76112.

Martindale AVtexas[2]