On June 15, 2020, the Supreme Court of the United States issued its decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia, holding that, pursuant to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, covered employers may not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of sexual orientation or gender
Archives for June 2020
CDC Expands List of Individuals At-Risk of Severe COVID-19 Illness
On June 25, 2020, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded its list of risk factors of individuals more likely to develop severe illness or die from COVID-19.
A Budding Challenge for Employers? Louisiana Expands Access to Medical Marijuana
In 2015, Louisiana passed a law authorizing the prescription of marijuana for the treatment of certain qualifying medical conditions, such as glaucoma, cancer, and spastic quadriplegia. In 2018, the statutory list of conditions was amended to include post-traumatic stress disorder, autism, and chronic pain. In the same amendment, the legislature
Long Beach Unanimously Passes COVID-19 Paid Supplemental Sick Leave
On May 19, 2020, the Long Beach City Council unanimously approved a COVID-19 Paid Supplemental Sick Leave Ordinance. This ordinance, which goes into effect immediately, follows similar measures enacted by Los Angeles County, the City of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose.
Quarantine Quandaries – How NY, NJ and CT’s Quarantine Period May Impact Employers
New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut issued a joint incoming travel advisory, effective June 25, 2020, requiring all individuals—including Tristate Area residents—to self-quarantine for 14 days when arriving from an “impacted state.” The Joint Travel Advisory defines “impacted state” as a state having: (i) a positive COVID-19 test rate
DOL Provides Guidance on FFCRA Leave Relating to Summer Camp and Program Closures
On June 26, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) provided guidance for its Wage and Hour Division (WHD) Investigators relating to when employees may be eligible to take paid family leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) when they are unable to work because they are
Tampa Bay’s New Face-Covering Requirements—We’ve Got You Covered
COVID-19 cases in Florida continue to increase, particularly in the Tampa Bay area. In an effort to slow the spread of the virus, Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties have enacted ordinances requiring face coverings in most indoor settings where social distancing (of at least six feet between persons) cannot be
Idaho Offers Cash Bonuses Program for Employees Who Return to Work
Idaho is offering cash bonuses to employees who return to work as the state lifts COVID-19–related restrictions and businesses reopen. In an effort to incentivize employees who are now earning more money due to the additional benefits provided through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, Idaho has implemented a Return to
Chicago Paid Sick Leave Ordinance: A Narrow Amendment With Broad Implications
The Chicago Paid Sick Leave Ordinance and the Cook County Earned Sick Leave Ordinance took effect in July 2017. The language of each ordinance largely mirrors the other, and where an employer falls under the jurisdiction of both, the Cook County Interpretative and Procedural Rules provide that the Cook County
Nevada’s Minimum Wage Set to Increase on July 1, 2020
As most employers are aware, Nevada has a two-tier minimum wage system. Currently, Nevada employers are required to pay their employees a minimum of $8.25 per hour unless they qualify to pay the lower tier minimum wage rate of $7.25 per hour. Employers seeking to qualify for the lower tier
Rhode Island Supreme Court Upholds Dismissal of Driver Who Refused Reasonable Grounds Drug Test
On May 29, 2020, the Rhode Island Supreme Court affirmed a trial court’s dismissal of a lawsuit alleging a violation of the Rhode Island drug testing statute brought against an employer that terminated an employee for refusing to submit to a reasonable grounds drug test. Although there were multiple
Littler Earns Gold Standard Certification From the Women In Law Empowerment Forum
(June 26, 2020) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has received the Gold Standard Certification from the Women in Law Empowerment Forum (WILEF) for the 10th consecutive year. WILEF grants Gold Standard status to firms that meet objective criteria concerning the number of
Beltway Buzz, June 26, 2020
The Beltway Buzz is a weekly update summarizing labor and employment news from inside the Beltway and clarifying how what’s happening in Washington, D.C. could impact your business.
Colorado Passes Law Requiring Employers to Provide Three Types of Paid Sick Leave
The Colorado legislature recently passed SB20-205, the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (“HFWA”), which will require all Colorado employers to provide three types of paid sick leave: 1) COVID-19 emergency paid sick leave (“CO-EPSL”); 2) Paid sick and safe time (“PSST”); and 3) Public health emergency paid sick leave (“PHEL”).
Administration Steps Closer to Issuing End Dates on Student Visas
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continues to push forward a proposed rule that would set a maximum period of authorized stay for students. Although the details of the rule are unknown, the draft reportedly has been sent to the federal budget office for review. This is generally the last step