On May 11, 2021, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania enacted amendments that immediately strengthen workplace protections for victims of domestic violence. Specifically, File No.
Archives for May 14, 2021
Beltway Buzz, May 14, 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.
Unemployment Insurance System Update, Part II: States Opting Out of Federal Unemployment Benefits
Since the beginning of May 2021, multiple states have announced their intent to opt out of enhanced federal unemployment benefits. To cease participation in enhanced federal unemployment benefit programs, a state must provide at least 30 days’ written notice to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). A state may cease
Unemployment Insurance System Update, Part I: Is Comprehensive Reform Coming?
On April 28, 2021, President Joe Biden unveiled a proposal to permanently expand unemployment benefits in his most recent economic package, the American Families Plan. The proposed expansion of unemployment benefits is in addition to the $2 billion already allocated to unemployment “system modernization, equitable access and fraud prevention” from
New York and New Jersey Governors Sign the Healthy Terminals Act
In the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, New York and New Jersey have adopted legislation to benefit airport workers. The Healthy Terminals Act in both states will boost wages and access to healthcare for airport workers working at the region’s three major airports—Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, and John
Montana Enacts New Law Making Vaccination Status a Protected Class and Limiting Inquiries Into Immunization Status
On May 7, 2021, Montana governor Greg Gianforte signed into law Montana House Bill 702, under which Montana became the first jurisdiction to recognize an individual’s vaccination status as a protected category. The law also prohibits employers from requiring employees to disclose their immunization status and bars employers from requiring
Montana Makes Significant Changes to State Employment Laws
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte recently signed three bills that make significant changes to Montana’s Wrongful Discharge from Employment Act, Human Rights Act, and Wage Protection Act.
Changes to the Wrongful Discharge from Employment Act (WDEA)
Wisconsin Legislature Expressly Authorizes Electronic Tip Declarations
Like the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, Wisconsin law allows hospitality employers to pay certain tipped employees less than the minimum wage with the understanding that the tips they receive will cover the difference. More specifically, Wisconsin law allows employers to claim a tip credit of up to $4.92 per
New CDC Face Covering Guidance & What It Means for California Workplaces
On May 13th, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) updated its guidance for fully vaccinated individuals. The new guidance identified circumstances in which fully vaccinated individuals do not have to wear face coverings, including indoors. However, fully vaccinated individuals must still comply with federal, state, local, or workplace guidance for
CDC Updates Guidance for Fully-Vaccinated Individuals: Is it Time to Shed the Face Mask and Relax Social Distancing?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance, titled Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People, on May 13, 2021, rolling back recommendations for wearing face masks, social distancing, and other protective measures for those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
CDC Removes Mask Requirement For Fully Vaccinated In Some Settings – What Should Your Business Do?
In a surprise move today, CDC followed the lead of the various states that have lifted their masking and physical distancing recommendations. However, CDC’s new recommendations come with a twist. The CDC’s recommendations only apply to fully vaccinated people in non-healthcare settings. Here’s what your business should consider as it
The economic recovery is getting messy. Just ask working women
April’s weak jobs report proved even more dismal for working women, highlighting a complicated path to economic recovery
Congress Again Mulling Pregnancy Accommodation Bill
The newest version of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is heading for a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives, where it passed with ease in 2020 but didn’t make it into law.
Remote work made digital nomads possible. The pandemic made them essential
Special visas. Free Vaccines. Tax breaks. Countries around the world are courting a new class of human capital that wants to mix travel and work forever.
DOL Withdraws Independent Contractor Regulations, Meaning More Uncertainty for Employers
On May 6, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor formally withdrew final regulations promulgated earlier this year under the prior administration which set forth, for the first time by way of an Administrative Procedure Act rulemaking, the analysis the Department would use to determine whether a worker was an
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