October: This Month in Workers' Rights

A roundup of key workplace stories, legal updates, and events shaping workers’ rights.

Microsoft offers voluntary buyouts to 60,000 employees

Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to approximately 60,000 eligible employees, more than a quarter of its global workforce. The offers extend to participating teams in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and India and follow thousands of layoffs earlier this year. Employees who accept will receive severance packages, temporary healthcare coverage and career transition support. Read more here.

Washington's Immigrant Worker Protection Act takes effect

Washington's Immigrant Worker Protection Act took effect October 1, 2026, expanding protections for workers during federal immigration-related workplace inspections. The law requires employers to notify workers and their representatives within five business days of receiving notice of a federal I-9 inspection and to notify affected workers and their representatives within five business days of receiving inspection results. It also establishes workplace posting requirements, limits employment verification practices, and prohibits retaliation against workers who exercise their rights. Read more here.

Washington's new cooling law expands protections for renters, including farmworkers

A new Washington law expands access to air conditioning for renters, including farmworkers who may face increased risks from extreme heat. The law prohibits most landlords from banning tenants from installing air-conditioning units or charging additional fees for their use. Farmworker advocates say greater awareness of the law is needed to ensure workers benefit from the new protections. Read more here.

California passes new laws protecting workers from AI

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed several new laws aimed at protecting workers from the growing use of artificial intelligence in the workplace. The laws prohibit employers from relying solely on AI to make disciplinary or termination decisions, using AI to monitor employees' emotional states through biometric data, and conducting surveillance in workplace bathrooms. Employers must also provide notice when AI causes certain mass layoffs or other covered employment actions. Read more here.

New York healthcare workers launch historic union organizing effort

Nearly 70,000 home healthcare workers in New York filed for a union election that could extend representation to approximately 190,000 caregivers statewide. The workers, who provide care through the state's Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, are seeking representation by 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East to advocate for higher wages and improved working conditions. If successful, it would be the largest union election in U.S. history. Read more here.