These Laws Will Change How You Work in 2026

With President Trump back in the White House, 2025 brought a barrage of executive orders and edicts that targeted workers. Trump reduced the minimum wage for federal contractors, made major cuts to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)—whose express mission is to keep people safe in the workplace—and attempted to undermine federal workers' collective bargaining rights. He has also, of course, set his sights on dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs across both the federal workforce and corporate America.

Still, there’s a glimmer of hope for workers: Many states have taken it upon themselves to enshrine policies like paid leave and pay transparency, with some of them now turning their attention to how the misuse of artificial intelligence in hiring could harm workers.

Here are some of the laws and policies that will take effect in 2026—many of which continue to push forward on important issues for workers despite what the federal government has in store. 

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