As directed by President Joe Biden’s Executive Order issued on January 21, 2021 requiring the Federal Government to take swift action to protect workers from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) has released updated guidance on how to prevent exposure and the spread of COVID-19 in
Archives for January 29, 2021
The OFCCP in 2020: A Look Back at the Year
Despite a global pandemic, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) kept an unrelenting pace of activity in 2020. Below are the highlights from the year, and a summary of what federal contractors and subcontractors need to know.
Biden Administration Reinstates COVID-19 Travel Restrictions for Europe and Brazil, Adds Restrictions for South Africa
On January 25, 2021, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. issued a proclamation reinstating COVID-19 entry restrictions for travelers from Brazil, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the 26 countries that comprise the Schengen Area of Europe. The proclamation also adds South Africa to the list of countries subject to travel restrictions.
U.S. and Puerto Rico Issue Rules on Non-COVID-19 Disaster Relief for Retirement Plans
Last year, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Congress and the Puerto Rico Department of Treasury (Hacienda) granted favorable tax treatment to coronavirus-related distributions (CRDs) and participant loans from U.S.-qualified plans and Puerto Rico-qualified plans, respectively. Recently, both jurisdictions extended similar tax treatment to certain distributions, hardship
EEOC FY 2020 Annual Performance Report: Recoveries Up, But Fewer Lawsuits Filed
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Annual Performance Report (APR) shows a substantial decrease in the number of lawsuits filed by the agency. However, the APR shows a dramatic increase in the amount of monetary recoveries by the EEOC in litigation compared to FY 2019.
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Emotional Support Animals on the Witness Stand?
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal on the issue of whether a witness may have an emotional support animal present while testifying at trial.
In Commonwealth v. Purnell, the Superior Court of Pennsylvania upheld a trial court’s ruling that an autistic minor witness could have a
Prevailing Wage Rule Delayed 60 Days
According to a draft scheduled for publication in the Federal Register on February 1, 2021, the Biden administration plans to delay the effective date of the Strengthening Wage Protections for the Temporary and Permanent Employment of Certain Aliens in the United States rule (Prevailing Wage Rule) for 60 days while
Changing Administrations, Changing Labor Policies, Part I: What Employers Can Expect From the Biden Administration
The election of Joseph R. Biden Jr. to the White House, a long-time vocal supporter of organized labor, coupled with control of both houses of the U.S. Congress by the traditionally labor-friendly Democratic Party, is the prelude to changes on the labor law front, a number of which are potentially
COVID-19 and Construction: Cal/OSHA Emergency Temporary Standards Address Issues for Industry Employers
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) recently updated its frequently asked questions (FAQs) guidance, “COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards Frequently Asked Questions”. The FAQs clarified some areas of the regulation and provided additional guidance for California employers, particularly construction companies. Under the Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) adopted on
The Emergency Pension Plan Relief Act Proposes Aid to Struggling Multiemployer Pension Plans
House Education and Labor Chairman Bobby Scott (D-VA) recently introduced legislation that seeks to provide aid to multiemployer pension plans (MEPs) facing insolvency. Entitled the Emergency Pension Plan Relief Act (EPPRA), the bill would fund this directly from the U.S. Treasury.
Seattle Implements Hazard Pay for Grocery Employees
On January 25, 2021, the Seattle City Council unanimously passed an ordinance requiring hazard pay for certain grocery business employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mayor Durkin signed the ordinance into law on January 29. Below are expected questions and answers for employers related to the new ordinance, which took effect
The First 100 Days of the Biden Administration: Labor and Employment Activity
Each Friday during the first 100 days of the new administration, we will provide a recap of significant initiatives and events that will impact employers. In week two, the Biden administration shook things up at the National Labor Relations Board […]
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New Administration Pushes for $15 Minimum Wage
Since at least 2015, when grassroots efforts began in Seattle and San Francisco, the increase of the minimum wage from $7.25 to $15.00 has been a top priority for labor and employee advocates. In numerous ways, the Biden administration has made likewise clear that increasing the minimum wage to
Beltway Buzz, January 29, 2021
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.
Biden Appoints Jenny Yang as Director of Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs
On January 21, 2021, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) announced via its leadership team webpage, that Jenny Yang, former EEOC Chair during the Obama administration, was selected as OFCCP Director.
During Jenny Yang’s time with the EEOC, she was a supporter of the Component 2 section of