U.S. voters handed the keys to the Republican Party in this past election. And so, while we wait to see if the "system" will improve or implode, it is that time of year again — the time to review and reflect on all that has happened this past year and to look ahead to new possibilities in the upcoming year. What resolutions will we make for 2015? Will we be more circumspect in our use of Facebook, Instagram and other social networking sites and applications? Volunteer some of our time to charitable causes? Start saving for retirement?

While the looming deadline to comply with the federal Affordable Care Act's (ACA) employer mandate may be causing sleepless nights for many an employer, employers should be mindful of the flurry of activity occurring in the labor and employment arena on issues that will impact their operations in the New Year. In 2014 we saw an ambitious, pro-employee federal regulatory agenda that originated during the first Obama administration come to fruition, and growing initiatives by state and local governments tackling many "hot button" employment issues.

Please click here to read the full Alert.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.