On March 31, 2021, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), which legalizes the adult recreational use of marijuana and revises Section 201-d of the New York Labor Law. The MRTA’s antidiscrimination employment provisions took effect immediately.
Archives for April 9, 2021
CDC Revises Domestic and International Travel Guidance, Including for Fully Vaccinated Individuals
On April 2, 2021, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced updated guidance on domestic and international travel. The guidance includes new recommendations for those fully vaccinated (defined as two weeks after the second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine) with
New DOL Guidance for COBRA Premium Assistance Under ARPA
By: New DOL Guidance for COBRA Premium Assistance Under ARPA
By: New DOL Guidance for COBRA Premium Assistance Under ARPA
On April 7, 2021, the Department of Labor (DOL) created a new webpage to provide guidance related to an employer’s obligations to comply with the mandated COBRA premium assistance under The American
Eleventh Circuit Holds Websites Not Places of Public Accommodation Under ADA, Rejects ‘Nexus’ Standard
On April 7, 2021, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals rendered its long-awaited opinion in Gil v. Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc., reversing a trial court’s decision against Winn-Dixie, holding that websites are not places of public accommodation under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and that Winn-Dixie’s website
DOL Issues Guidance on the American Rescue Plan Act COBRA Subsidy
On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that contains a new, temporary COBRA subsidy.
Louisiana Court Rules Sales Manager Owed Fiduciary Duty to Employer
The recent decided case of Duplessis Buick-GMC Truck, Inc. v. Chauncey offers Louisiana employers a powerful cause of action against highly trusted former employees for breach of fiduciary duty—one that is akin to an action to enforce noncompete agreements or trade secret laws but without statutory constraints.
COBRA Subsidy: What We Know Now After Initial DOL Guidance
Less than a month after the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) was signed into law, new U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) guidance and model forms are clearing up a number of employer concerns about the 100 percent COBRA coverage subsidy for continuing health benefits that runs from April
Virginia Enacts New Paid Sick Leave Law for Home Health Workers
Given the current political trifecta (where democrats control both houses of the state legislature and the governorship), paid sick leave proponents had high hopes that Virginia would follow other states’ lead and pass legislation to mandate employers provide paid leave, particularly in light of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. On
Beltway Buzz, April 9, 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.
2,000 COVID-19-Related Employment Lawsuits Filed in the U.S.: An Analysis of the Data and Trends
On April 6, 2021, the total number of COVID-19-related employment complaints filed in United States courts passed the 2,000 mark. Although it took eight months to reach the first 1,000 complaints (March–November 2020), it took less than five months to go from 1,000 to 2,000. Indeed, December 2020 through March
Lawmakers Seek Clarity on EEOC Regulations Concerning Incentives for COVID-19 Vaccinations
Providing incentives for employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine continues to be on the minds of organizations as vaccinations pick up speed. However, concerns about privacy and the shifting positions on wellness program regulation has left many employers wary about implementing more robust incentives. According to Bloomberg, two GOP members
It’s A No: Amazon Warehouse Workers Vote Against Unionizing In Historic Election
Amazon warehouse workers in Alabama will not be forming a union.
Dollar General Will Pay $50,000 to Settle EEOC Sexual Harassment Suit
Dolgencorp, LLC, trading as Dollar General Stores Inc., a national retailer that operates over 17,000 stores in 46 states, will pay $50,000 and furnish significant equitable relief to settle a federal sexual harassment suit, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced today.
Here is how the Amazon unionization vote breaks down.
Unofficial Tally of Amazon Warehouse Unionization Votes
A total of 3,215 ballots were cast; 1,608 votes was needed to win.
Amazon Workers Defeat Union Drive at Alabama Warehouse
The company’s victory deals a crushing blow to organized labor, which had hoped the time was ripe to start making inroads.