These laws will change how you work in 2026

President Trump’s second term has already taken a toll on workers. But state legislation on paid leave, AI in hiring, and the minimum wage continues to help bolster workers’ rights.

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