A workplace where employees believe they can speak up candidly with ideas, questions, and concerns, and even make mistakes without fear of reprisal or adverse repercussions, contributes to inclusivity and can improve performance.
Archives for October 14, 2020
Martha Van Oot Comments on Receiving Best Lawyers® 2021 Labor Law — Management “Lawyer of the Year” in N.H.
Martha Van Oot comments on her recent recognition by Best Lawyers as a Labor Law — Management “Lawyer of the Year” in N.H. in “Top Lawyers,” published by New Hampshire Magazine.
Kathryn Russo Discusses Drug Testing for Marijuana
Kathryn Russo discusses the implications of varying state laws mandating the legal status of marijuana and related drug testing compliance challenges in “COVID-19 Complicates Companies’ Concerns About Workplace Drug Testing,” published by SHRM.
New York Employers Grapple with Changes to City and State Sick Leave Laws
On September 28, 2020, New York City Mayor Bill DiBlasio signed sweeping amendments to the Earned Safe and Sick Leave Law—which were effective just two days later. This has required immediate action by city employers to ensure compliance with their Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) policies and practices.
FordHarrison Accolades & Additions: Third Quarter 2020
Fifty-seven FordHarrison Attorneys Listed in the 2021 Best Lawyers in America and 11 Listed in Ones to Watch
Will COVID-19 ‘Long-Haulers’ Be Next to Test the Limits of the ADA?
As the pandemic continues, a segment of individuals who contracted COVID-19 reports that they have not experienced a quick recovery. Rather, they are continuing to suffer symptoms months after initial onset of the disease. Known as coronavirus “long-haulers,” these individuals report that they endure effects such as chronic fatigue, shortness
DHS Partially Enjoined From Enforcing Proclamation Suspending Entry of Certain Foreign Nationals
On October 1, 2020, the United States District Court for the Northern District of California issued a limited preliminary injunction enjoining the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from “implementing, enforcing, or otherwise carrying out” Section 2 of Presidential Proclamation 10052 of June 22, 2020, which suspended the entry of
Pandemic necessitates review of donning and doffing policies
As federal and state safety and health guidelines in response to the COVID-19 pandemic call for extensive use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the workplace, employers should give their policies on “donning and doffing” a fresh look. Pandemic-related reopening orders issued by state and local governments may include requirements
Michigan’s Latest COVID-19 Developments: What Employers Need to Know
In the wake of the Michigan Supreme Court’s ruling regarding the state’s COVID-19-related executive orders, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued new orders, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) has ramped up enforcement of COVID-19-related protocols, and local counties are issuing their own
California DOJ Announces a Third Set of Modifications to the CCPA Regulations
Back in August, after much anticipation and several rounds of review and modification, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) regulations finally became effective. This was long awaited by businesses and their service providers looking for compliance guidance and clarity on key issues related to facilitation of consumer rights. This week,
AB 2257 Enacts Significant Changes to AB 5 on Classification of Workers as Independent Contractors
California’s statute governing the classification of independent contractors, enacted under Assembly Bill (AB) 5, underwent a significant renovation on September 4, 2020, when Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 2257. The emergency measure, which takes effect immediately, contains several new exemptions and revises existing law related to exemptions for business-to-business relationships,
NYC Employers, Get Ready: City Issues New Requirements for Earned Safe and Sick Time Act
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio signed into law New York City Council Int. No. 2032-A on September 28, 2020, after the city council passed the bill a few days earlier. The legislation, which took effect on September 30, 2020, amends the New York City Earned Safe and Sick
USCIS to Expand Premium Processing Program, Increase Fee Rates
On October 1, 2020, President Donald Trump signed into law a stopgap spending measure to fund the U.S. government through December 11, 2020. The spending measure includes a provision titled “Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act,” which authorizes U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to expand the premium processing program and
Statewide Right of Recall is Vetoed But Local Ordinances Persist
As California employers recover from the whirlwind of the 2020 Legislative Session, one bright spot is the Governor’s veto of Assembly Bill 3216, which would have established statewide recall rights and right of retention for laid-off employees. The Governor stated he had a concern of creating a “patchwork of requirements