Laura Mitchell discusses the OFCCP implications of a recente executive order limiting diversity and racial sensitivity training in “Trump Rule Leads Contractors to Cut Diversity, Bias Training,” published by Bloomberg Law.
Archives for October 2020
Beltway Buzz, October 30, 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.
Federal Court Upholds Enforcement of Grocery Store’s Face-Covering Policy Over Customer Claims of Disability Discrimination
A Pennsylvania district court delivered good news for retailers struggling to balance enforcement of their face mask policies against the rights of customers who assert that their disabilities (or other factors) excuse them from wearing masks.
Federal Agencies Warn Health Care and Public Health Sector of Ransomware Threat
As hospitals and healthcare providers/systems (collectively, “Healthcare Providers”) across the nation have been reacting to spiking COVID-19 cases, an increased, imminent cybercrime threat targeting Healthcare Providers has emerged—ransomware. Ransomware is a distinct type of malware (malicious software) that attempts to deny victims access to their data until a ransom is paid.
COLAs in the Time of COVID-19
On October 26, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) updated various dollar limitations that apply to tax-qualified retirement plans for 2021. The new amounts, published in Notice 2020-79, are annually adjusted for cost of living.
Michigan Extends and Revises its Restrictions on Gatherings and Face Masks
Due to the increase of COVID-19 cases and related deaths in Michigan over the last four weeks, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued an October 29, 2020 Epidemic Order extending and revising its previous order issued on October 9, 2020.
Time to Vote: Employee and Employer Voting Leave Rights and Obligations for the 2020 Elections
Elections in the United States are scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Not only will the office of president of the United States be contested, but all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate are up for grabs. At
OFCCP’s Fiscal Year 2020 Non-Financial Conciliation Agreements: A Review of the Past to Prepare for the Present and Future
Federal contractors and subcontractors have numerous affirmative action obligations and only so much time each day to devote to compliance. As a result, some requirements may tend to fall by the wayside as contractors focus on the more critical issues of ensuring equal employment opportunities in matters such as hiring,
New Jersey Governor Issues New COVID-19 Mitigation Protocols
Yesterday, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy issued Executive Order 192 (“EO 192”), creating additional COVID-19 mitigation protocols for New Jersey employers that will be effective on November 5, 2020 at 6:00 am. These new requirements are largely based on existing the United States Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”) guidance for employers, although there are some new measures contained in EO 192 discussed below. Importantly, the mitigation measures contained in EO 192 are mandatory, and non-compliance carries potentially significant consequences.
California’s AB 685 Imposes COVID-19 Workplace Exposure Notice and Reporting Requirements for Employers Effective January 1, 2021
GOVERNOR NEWSOM SIGNED ASSEMBLY BILL (AB) 685 INTO LAW, ESTABLISHING NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS TO NOTIFY EMPLOYEES AND THEIR UNIONS ABOUT POTENTIAL WORKPLACE COVID-19 EXPOSURES EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2021
New Jersey Requires COVID-19 Workplace Protocols Effective November 5, 2020
Only four days after extending New Jersey’s public health emergency an additional 30 days, Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order 192 (EO 192), requiring businesses that operate during the continuing COVID-19 crisis to implement workplace safety protocols effective November 5, 2020, at 6:00 a.m. Significantly, EO 192 provides for the establishment of complaint and investigation procedures to resolve non-compliance.
Pension Reform? Presidential Memorandum Focuses Attention on Failing Pension Systems
The Secretaries of the Departments of Treasury, Commerce, and Labor have been directed to review and report on the pension funding crisis in an October 22, 2020, Presidential Memorandum. The Memorandum brings renewed attention to a long-standing pension funding crisis and the failing backstops.
Stephanie Adler-Paindiris Discusses COVID-19 Class Action Lawsuits
Stephanie Adler-Paindiris discusses the increased risk of class action litigation related to the COVID-19 pandemic in “How Employers Can Prepare for Rise in Pandemic-related Lawsuits,” published by the Franchise Times.
Michigan OSHA Adopts COVID-19 Emergency Rule
Mickey Chichester and Jaclyn Giffen outline the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s COVID-19 emergency rule.
SHRM Online
Lack of Stimulus Bill Could Lead to Rise in COVID Related Lawsuits
Angelo Spinola encourages health care providers to stay abreast of the latest laws and legal trends impacting the home care industry in order to remain successful.
Home Health Care News