On August 7, 2020, the Governor of Puerto Rico, Hon. Wanda Vázquez Garced, signed into law the “Act to Prohibit and Prevent Workplace Harassment in Puerto Rico,” previously known as House Bill No. 306. The primary purpose of the Act is to prohibit and prevent abusive conduct against employees
Archives for August 7, 2020
Beltway Buzz, August 7, 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.
Travelers from New York Allowed into Trusted Traveler Programs Again
New Yorkers can once again register for Trusted Traveler Programs.
However, registrants should note that, due to COVID-19, Trusted Traveler Enrollment Centers are closed until at least September 8, 2020.
In early February 2020, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) prohibited New Yorkers from registering or re-registering for Trusted Traveler
New York Federal Court Says DOL ‘Jumped the Rail’ When It Issued FFCRA Regulations
On August 3, 2020, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York upended several employer-friendly limitations in the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) regulations implementing the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Specifically, the court struck down the DOL’s regulations regarding: (1) the requirement that employers
Punching In: Business-Backed Groups Call for Worker Center Probe
Michael Lotito favors employer protections from worker litigation related to coronavirus.
Law360
COVID-19 May Hinder Business Travel Long After Cos. Reopen
Alka Ramchandani-Raj suggests that national and international travel may be risky.
Law360
Is The Pandemic Ushering In A New Normal For The Legal Profession?
Scott Forman points to tools that make it easier for lawyers at a firm to collaborate.
Above the Law
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DOL: Manufacturer failed to post FFCRA notice, denied leave for school closure
Jeff Nowak encourages employers to have a communication plan beyond Department of Labor posters.
HR Dive
NLRB Proposes Changes to Union Voter List Requirement
Michael Lotito views the absentee ballots a sensible alternative for member of the military.
SHRM Online
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FMLA FAQ: If an Employer Places an Employee on Leave When He Can’t Wear a Face Covering, Is the Absence Covered by the FMLA?
Jeff Nowak describes steps employers can take regarding the facing-covering issue.
LexBlog
Going Beyond Compliance to End Workplace Harassment
Jim Paretti encourages elimination of bullying in the workplace – even if it technically isn’t illegal.
SHRM Online
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Companies Are Using Employee Survey Data to Predict— and Squash — Union Organizing
Aaron Crews explores data analytics as a way to predict union risk.
OneZero
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New Mexico Implements Employer Reporting Rule for COVID-19 Cases
In addition to other measures New Mexico is taking to try to control the coronavirus pandemic, effective August 5, 2020, the Occupational Health and Safety Bureau of the New Mexico Environment Department (NM OSHA) implemented an emergency amendment to its injury and illness reporting regulation, 11 NMAC §5.1.16.