Helping employers avoid the storm of legal issues in the workplace
Equal Pay Day is designated each year by the National Committee on Pay Equity to mark how far women in the United States must work into the year to be paid the same as men in the year prior. This year, Equal Pay Day was determined to be March 15, 2022. Continue Reading Executive actions to increase pay equity announced in conjunction with Equal Pay Day
As we enter the third year of a pandemic, the ongoing disruption caused by COVID-19 and its variants often leaves employers juggling legal and business considerations regarding their workforce. Specifically, many employees are also caregivers — whether they are caring for children, a spouse, an individual with a disability or older relatives. Continue Reading Caring for caregivers: Understanding caregiver discrimination under federal laws
We recently reported that the Senate passed a #MeToo bill that banned the use of mandatory arbitration agreements for sexual harassment and sexual assault claims. This bill was signed into law by President Biden on March 3, 2022. On March 17, 2022, the House took it a step further and voted 222-209 to pass the Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal Act (H.R. 963). Continue Reading House passes bill banning mandatory arbitration agreements
Medical marijuana is being legalized in an increasing number of states, which will have an impact on a variety of employment issues, including workers’ compensation. The Supreme Court appears to be considering providing clarity to employers and employees alike regarding payment for medical marijuana in workers’ compensation claims. Continue Reading Supreme Court considering granting certiorari in workers’ compensation medical marijuana cases
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has received thousands of claims related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of these claims are related to disability discrimination and accommodations. Continue Reading EEOC receiving influx of COVID-19 related claims
As the rate of COVID-19 cases continues to trend downward in most parts of the country, and employers begin to relax mask policies and encourage employees’ return to the office, COVID-19-related issues remain at the forefront — including employee vaccination status. On March 1, 2022, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) updated its COVID-19 guidance regarding religious objections to employer vaccine requirements. Continue Reading EEOC issues guidance on COVID-19 vaccine religious accommodation requirements
Some employers attempt, through employment contracts, to require that employee legal challenges be pursued under private arbitration procedures, rather than through lawsuits or discrimination charges. Continue Reading Senate passes #MeToo bill, bringing changes for employment contracts
Employers beware: A recent holding out of Illinois has determined that employees may sue employers who collect and/or disclose employees’ biometric data. Continue Reading Bio-shocked: In Illinois, workers’ comp not exclusive remedy for claims involving employee biometrics
Not unexpectedly, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) officially has withdrawn the Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) calling for mandatory COVID-19 vaccination or testing by employers of over 100 employees. Continue Reading OSHA withdraws COVID-19 ETS; But do not count OSHA out entirely
On Jan. 13, 2022, the United States Supreme Court struck down the Biden administration’s vaccine-or-test requirement for employers with 100 or more employees. Continue Reading Supreme Court shoots down Biden administration COVID-19 vaccine rule: So what’s next?
