In a split 2-1 decision that likely raises more questions than it answers, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals cast some doubt upon the ability of employers to implement mandatory arbitration agreements with their employees. In Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America v. Bonta, the Ninth Circuit
Archives for September 17, 2021
Iowa Supreme Court Examines Private Sector Drug-Free Workplaces Statute
Since it was passed in 1998, Iowa’s Drug-Free Workplaces Act has been one of the most comprehensive and complex drug-testing statutes in the United States. On June 25, 2021, the Iowa Supreme Court issued a pair of decisions—Dix v. Casey’s General Stores, Inc. and Woods v. Charles Gabus Ford, Inc.—that
Puerto Rico Governor Issues Executive Orders Requiring COVID-19 Vaccinations
In order to slow the transmission rate of COVID-19 and safeguard the health of people in Puerto Rico, Governor Pedro Pierluisi recently issued a series of executive orders mandating COVID-19 vaccinations in certain instances.
Maine’s Public Sector Employers Will Be Subject to OSHA COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate
The Maine Department of Labor announced on September 17, 2021 that the state’s public sector employees will be subject to President Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate due to Maine’s state plan agreement with the federal government.
Many Unknowns as Franchise Industry Considers COVID Vaccine Mandate
Jim Paretti answers questions about what President Biden’s vaccination mandate will mean for employers in the franchising industry.
Franchise Times
View (Subscription required.)
New York HERO Act Obligations Triggered By COVID-19 Designation
Lisa Griffith and Sanjay Nair examine employers’ obligations under the NY HERO Act since the New York Commissioner of Health has designated COVID-19 as a highly contagious communicable disease.
SHRM Online
View (Subscription required.)
Massachusetts High Court Addresses Service Charges Under Tips Act
Lisa Griffith and Sanjay Nair examine a Massachusetts case that serves as a cautionary tale for employers when they are drafting documents related to employee compensation.
SHRM Online
View (Subscription required.)
Vaccine mandates now required: What to know about Biden’s new rules
Devjani Mishra explains why President Biden’s new COVID-19 vaccination mandate for large companies will help equalize the playing field and take some pressure off employers.
Human Resource Executive
Why are people mad at the CDC?
Michael Lotito explains why President Biden’s order for Covid vaccinations for large employers is causing frustrations even among allies.
Politico
Some businesses welcome Biden's vaccination mandate while others worry about the costs, effects on worker shortages
Devjani Mishra talks about how President Biden’s vaccine mandate will help level the playing field and take some pressure off employers.
USA Today
Biden's employer mandate: Who will foot the bill for weekly Covid testing?
Devjani Mishra explains that mandatory COVID-19 testing programs face a wide range of state and local laws that focus on medical testing and expense reimbursement.
The Business Journals
Biden's workplace vaccine mandate faces headwinds
Michael Lotito weighs in on President Joe Biden’s surprise order for the Labor Department to issue mandatory vaccine rules for large companies.
Politico
Biden’s vaccine mandate gives Chicago-area employers cover when implementing vaccine requirements
Barry Hartstein explains why President Biden’s vaccination mandate will likely encourage more companies to take their policies from voluntary to mandatory.
Chicago Tribune
4 Takeaways As EEOC Eyes Telework In The COVID Era
Michelle Barrett Falconer weighs in on a case that marks the first time the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has taken a company to court over a pandemic-related request for an ADA accommodation.
Law360 Employment Authority
View (Subscription required.)
Beltway Buzz, September 17, 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.