At a glance
- Launch of Global Employment Law Manual 2026.
- Recent developments in Latin America.
- Pay transparency changes.
- Developments in the US.
- International employment law training.
Global Employment Law Manual 2026
The 2026 edition of our Global Employment Law Manual is now available to GENIE subscribers, providing up-to-date guidance on employment and pensions laws across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas, with Armenia, Ethiopia, Greece and Namibia added in this edition.
Covering key employment rights and obligations from onboarding employees and managing the employment relationship, to termination and settlements, the Manual is an essential resource for anyone involved in global people management.
Recent developments in Latin America
Latin America is experiencing high levels of legislative activity. In early March, Argentina's Labor Modernization Bill was finalised, introducing extensive reforms to employment law. In Mexico, new legislation is progressing in relation to wage transparency, digital disconnection and a reduction in working hours. In Chile, the 40-Hour work week is now in effect. Meanwhile, the new government has withdrawn the previous administration’s bill on multi-level collective bargaining. In Peru, the mandatory social worker requirement for large employers has been removed, salaries and labor benefits can be paid through digital wallets and there have been changes to paid leave. In Brazil, a Regulatory Norm introduces new obligations on workplace mental health and a proposed bill establishes a new and extended paternity leave framework.
Pay transparency changes
Recent developments on local implementation of the EU Gender Pay Transparency Directive include delays to transposition in Sweden and Ireland, launch of a consultation in Denmark, anticipated legislation in Finland, and a preliminary draft bill in France. Pay transparency developments are also progressing elsewhere. In Mexico, a bill introducing new wage transparency obligations has been approved. In the UK, the government has confirmed that ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting will become mandatory for large employers and that gender pay action plans will become mandatory in 2027.
Developments in the US
The Trump Administration continues to advance its priorities, including DEI-related discrimination. On March 26, 2026, President Trump signed an Executive Order titled 'Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors,' requiring federal agencies to include a clause in all contracts prohibiting contractors and subcontractors from engaging in 'racially discriminatory DEI activities.' Importantly, the clause makes compliance subject to False Claims Act liability. EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas also issued a letter to the 500 largest companies in the US warning them of potential liability under Title VII for race and sex-based discrimination that may result from DEI policies or practices.
The White House also released a document titled, A National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence, setting out a framework of legislative recommendations related to artificial intelligence.
At the state level, Washington became the latest state to broadly ban non-compete agreements for employees and independent contractors.
International Employment Law Training
The Spring programme of International Employment Law Training is available to register. Our training courses provide practical guidance on employment law and best practice. Delivered by local employment lawyers, the half day workshops provide an overview of the key themes you need to know about employment law and best practice in your chosen country. They are valuable for anyone managing the challenges of entering, operating in, or exiting a country. Courses cover 13 jurisdictions, including Germany, France, UK, Ireland, Netherlands, Spain, Italy and the Nordics. Find out more here.
More to explore
