Brazil: Changes to outsourcing rules

Up until now, the courts have interpreted the law as meaning that it is illegal for a business to outsource its core business. Businesses could only lawfully outsource ancilliary activities. And yet, certain sectors, such as construction, clothing and the automotive industries have been consistently allowed to subcontract specialised services or parts of their processes.  The new Law turns this on its head by providing…

Sexual harassment at work: Global concern with local solutions

A recent headline could put fear in the hearts of general counsel and HR professionals alike. A restaurant franchisee in Ohio shells out $ 1.4 million to settle a sexual harassment case brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on behalf of multiple women. In that case, EEOC v. E. Columbus Host, LLC, the EEOC claimed a restaurant manager engaged in egregious sexual harassment…

Limiting competition from former employees in the US and Latin America

Like toothpaste squeezed from the tube, corporate goodwill, trade secrets and confidential business information are virtually impossible to recover once stolen by a former employee. To secure your business’s prized assets, restrictive covenants limiting the post-termination activities of former employees are an effective tool in the corporate arsenal.  These agreements are generally enforceable in the United States, provided they are supported by adequate consideration, narrowly…

Going local down in Alcapulco

For multi-national companies transferring senior executives to the Americas (specifically focusing on Mexico, Argentina and Brazil), there are a number of key employment issues that should be considered to avoid complications for your expat employees. Applying for a different visa may give rise to the assumption of an employment relationship which would become particularly relevant on termination. Expats in Mexico When relocating to Mexico the first…