US employment: key federal and state updates (18 Nov – 1 Dec) – Lexology

Labour and Employment Developments: A Sustainable Development Goals Perspective

Report as of: 01 December 2025

This report outlines key legal and administrative updates in the United States labour sector, analysing their direct implications for the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

Judicial Ruling on New York Labour Law

A federal court has blocked the implementation of a New York labour relations law. This development has significant implications for the legal frameworks governing worker protections and collective bargaining.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The court’s decision directly impacts Target 8.8, which aims to protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments. The ruling alters the landscape for labour relations, affecting the mechanisms designed to ensure decent work.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: This judicial intervention underscores the role of strong institutions in interpreting and enforcing laws. The outcome of this legal challenge will influence the effectiveness and accessibility of justice for workers and employers in the state.

New Training Mandates for Los Angeles Hospitality Sector

Mandatory training requirements for hotel employees have taken effect in Los Angeles. This initiative focuses on enhancing worker skills and safety within a key urban industry.

1. Alignment with SDG 4 (Quality Education): The new requirements support Target 4.4 by seeking to increase the number of adults with relevant vocational skills for employment and decent jobs.
2. Contribution to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): By investing in human capital, the policy promotes safer working conditions and contributes to the development of a skilled workforce, which is essential for sustainable tourism (Target 8.9) and overall economic productivity.

Nomination for US EEOC General Counsel

The President of the United States has put forward a nomination for the position of General Counsel for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The leadership of the EEOC is critical for the national enforcement of anti-discrimination laws.

• Impact on SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): The EEOC is the primary federal agency for enforcing laws against workplace discrimination. The General Counsel’s role is central to advancing Target 10.3, which calls for ensuring equal opportunity and reducing inequalities of outcome.
• Support for SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work): The commission’s work is fundamental to eliminating gender-based discrimination in employment (Target 5.1) and achieving full, productive, and decent work for all, including equal pay for work of equal value (Target 8.5).

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • The article directly discusses issues central to this goal, such as a “labour relations law,” “training requirements for LA hotels,” and the nomination of a general counsel for the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). These topics are fundamentally linked to employment conditions, workers’ rights, and skills development.

2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • The article’s mention of a “federal court” blocking a law and the nomination of a “general counsel” for the EEOC points to the functioning of legal and governmental institutions. These actions are examples of the rule of law and the processes of justice and governance, which are the core focus of SDG 16.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 8.8: Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers

   • The reference to a “labour relations law” being blocked by a court directly relates to the legal frameworks designed to protect the rights of workers. The activities of the EEOC, for which a general counsel is being nominated, also contribute to creating secure and non-discriminatory working environments.

2. Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training

   • The mention of “training requirements for LA hotels” connects to this target by highlighting a specific measure aimed at skills development and training within an industry, which is a key strategy for improving employment outcomes.

3. Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all

   • The article’s report that a “federal court blocks New York’s labour relations law” is a direct example of the judicial system in action, interpreting and enforcing the rule of law. This demonstrates the functioning of a formal justice mechanism.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Implied Indicator for Target 8.8

   • The article implies a qualitative indicator related to SDG Indicator 8.8.2 (Level of national compliance with labour rights (freedom of association and collective bargaining) based on International Labour Organization (ILO) textual sources and national legislation). The court’s action of blocking a “labour relations law” serves as a data point on the legal challenges and status of legislation intended to protect labor rights.

2. Implied Indicator for Target 16.3

   • The functioning of the justice system is an implied indicator. The report of a “federal court” ruling on a law is a practical example of a formal dispute resolution mechanism, which relates to SDG Indicator 16.3.3 (Proportion of the population who have experienced a dispute in the past two years and who accessed a formal or informal dispute resolution mechanism). The court case itself represents the use of such a mechanism.

SDGs, Targets and Indicators Table

Source: lexology.com