National Institute for Workers' Rights

As companies adapt, there’s a real risk they’ll go “too far in the other direction,” according to Jason Solomon, director of the National Institute of Workers’ Rights. Many DEI policies trace back to compliance with antidiscrimination laws, Solomon noted, and firms that abandon them will be more vulnerable to lawsuits from women and people of color who feel they’re being underpaid or passed over for opportunities. https://lnkd.in/gtTaMkk2

Are companies underestimating the risks of cutting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts? They likely are. NIWR director, Jason Solomon, spoke with Reuters and Law.com about how decisions to back away from diversity, equity, and inclusion could impact workers’ discrimination claims. As advocates for workplace justice, the National Institute for Workers' Rights is at the forefront of defending comprehensive diversity initiatives. “When companies are sued by women or people of color and they're held liable for discrimination ... the Trump administration can't save them, and nothing in this executive order can save them,” said Jason Solomon. From affecting settlement values to influencing jury perceptions, diversity, equity, and inclusion rollbacks could carry serious consequences. https://lnkd.in/gkwNkJCD

Read our op-ed in Bloomberg Law about the heightened liability risks for corporations like Walmart as they retreat from initiatives that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace.

Is there any legal downside to dropping diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives? There may well be. Yesterday we released?a memo?on how evidence of companies backing away from DEI initiatives can be used against them in discrimination litigation. As examples, the memo discusses initiatives that companies have recently dropped under pressure from activist Robby Starbuck, and how they can be used. Check it out! And let us know what you think. https://lnkd.in/gyEYYGEN

Together with LatinoJustice, we sent a letter earlier this week to three major public pension funds -- CalPERS, NYCERS, and Teacher Retirement System of Texas -- asking them to divest from Tesla due to its discrimination against workers of color and its CEO's crusade against equal opportunity in the workplace. Thanks to CalMatters for explaining why this is about investors aligning their money with their values in support of diversity and inclusion. https://lnkd.in/guk4EigU

The National Institute for Workers’ Rights (Institute) is grateful to the workers’ rights advocates who have supported us through cy pres awards. In 2024 so far, the Institute has received more than $320,000 in cy pres in seven class and collection actions. ?By designating the Institute for a?cy pres?award, you too can help bring about a future in which all workers are treated with dignity and respect; workplaces are equitable, diverse, and inclusive; and the wellbeing of workers is a priority in business practices. The Institute has been awarded cy pres?funds in employment discrimination, wage and hour, and other cases involving workplace violations. ? The Institute advances workers’ rights through research, thought leadership, and education to champion economic dignity and workplace justice with an emphasis on dismantling the barriers to the enforcement of our country’s employment laws. ? Among the Institute’s current projects is a multi-faceted campaign to pressure companies to stick with effective diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility measures and stop giving money to right-wing groups that are trying to hollow out anti-discrimination law. The Institute is also emphasizing the importance of the right to talk to co-workers about working conditions, in part through a recent study on how that right is enforced at the National Labor Relations Board. In addition, the Institute recently brought together leaders from non-profits, government agencies, and the private bar to discuss how to overcome obstacles to enforcement such as forced arbitration, employer retaliation, and misclassification. ? Read more about the power of cy pres to advance workers’ rights at https://lnkd.in/gmQm_zJa

Welcome, Asher! The Institute and NELA are thrilled to continue our efforts to support and train the next generation of workers' rights advocates! https://lnkd.in/dZAgcUvP

“You can not talk about DEI and not talk about intersectionality.” Let’s walk the talk.

Following up on our request that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission investigate Goldman Sachs for possible violations of securities laws, yesterday we asked the Goldman Sachs Board to remove anti-diversity, anti-opportunity groups from the list of eligible grantees for their donor-advised funds, Goldman Sachs Gives and Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Fund.? https://lnkd.in/gVVu-_vq

Last week, we sent a letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requesting that the agency investigate Goldman Sachs for “possible violations of the securities laws.” The investment bank and financial services company has publicly pledged to “meet targets for a more diverse workforce” while simultaneously funding anti-diversity organizations that are attacking diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at companies and organizations. NIWR was motivated to request the SEC investigation as an organization that works towards economic dignity for all workers. Without proactive efforts to break down barriers that have traditionally excluded women and people of color from opportunities at work, discrimination will operate unchecked. Recent research confirms that such discrimination continues to occur at major employers that do not have systematic, proactive approaches to hiring. NIWR is urging companies to not back away from efforts at diversity and inclusion and pointing to the increased litigation risk that will result if proactive efforts at combating discrimination are abandoned. https://lnkd.in/dTtgdxeX