2021 brought employers an avalanche of new laws and ever-changing COVID-19 obligations. The good news is that the California Legislature gave employers a bit of a break this session, and the changes for 2022 are not too overwhelming. Below is a brief summary of some of the new laws, a few of which are already in effect. Employers should seek guidance from experienced employment law counsel for more detailed information.
Archives for November 16, 2021
CAL/OSHA UPDATE
Ok. Cal/OSHA has taken the OSHA ETS off the agenda for Thursday’s meeting. Too much uncertainty. As a reminder, today is the random lottery to determine which Court of Appeals will handle the consolidated lawsuits challenging the OSHA ETS. It’s going to be interesting…
Top Five Labor Law Developments for October 2021
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), its Regions 2 (New York), 22 (Newark), and 29 (Brooklyn) and the Consulate General of México in New York have signed an agreement formalizing the relationship between the NLRB and the Mexican government.
Goldberg Segalla Expands into Northern California with the Addition of Five Veteran Litigators
Goldberg Segalla is expanding its presence in Northern California with an experienced team of litigators and trial attorneys practicing out of a newly opened San Francisco office. Partners Gabriel A. Jackson, Peter K. Renstrom, Todd M. Thacker, Rosie Badgett, and Stephen L. Jenkins have a depth of asbestos and other toxic tort, environmental, and product liability experience that continues to bolster the firm’s capabilities nationwide.
The COVID-19 Conundrum: How to Navigate the Competing Federal and Florida COVID-19 Vaccine Laws
Executive Summary: “Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.” This is how many Florida private employers feel right now given the conflicting federal regulations and Florida’s proposed legislation concerning COVID-19 vaccine mandates. The feeling is understandable considering the federal government recently issued a new rule requiring private employers with 100 or more employees to implement COVID-19 vaccine mandates for their employees. Less than one week later, Florida proposed legislation (the “Proposed Law”) prohibiting employers from implementing mandatory vaccine policies. If Florida’s Proposed Law passes, it will be directly at odds with the federal regulations. This article will walk employers through how to handle this COVID-19 catch 22.
Take Control of Your Onboarding
Hollywood crew union narrowly ratifies its contracts with studios.
Camera operators, prop makers, lighting technicians and other members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees ratified new contracts with Hollywood studios on Monday.
To Reduce the Strain of Overwork, Learn to Listen to Your Body
Teaching themselves to notice bodily strain helped participants in a two-year study better navigate the demands and expectations of their jobs.
Senate Committee Takes Aim At Forced Arbitration Of Sexual Harassment Disputes
A bipartisan bill that would dramatically change the U.S. employment landscape for victims of workplace sexual harassment is one step closer to becoming the law of the land.
16 ‘Superwoman’ Myths To Dispel To Better Support Women In The Workplace
Women in the workforce often feel societal pressure to “do it all” and “have it all” by being everything to everyone while simultaneously balancing their work and personal lives perfectly.
Three Steps To Breaking Free Of Self-Deception In The Workplace
Imagine you committed to delivering a project within a scheduled timeline but failed to meet it.
5th Circuit Orders OSHA to Stand Down
In a 22-page order issued November 12, 2021, the Fifth Circuit reaffirmed its initial stay of OSHA’s vaccine Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). The 5th Circuit stated that petitioners are likely to succeed on the merits, meaning that OSHA’s ETS is an overreach of its authority on likely a variety of
Puerto Rico Governor Issues New Executive Order Providing for New Vaccination Mandates
On November 15, 2021, Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi issued Executive Order No. 2021-075 (EO 2021-075), which integrates prior COVID-19-related orders still in effect and, notably, includes vaccine/testing requirements for employers with over 50 employees. EO 2021-075 took effect immediately, and per its terms, will continue until the Emergency
EEOC Increases Focus on Artificial Intelligence and Algorithmic Fairness
On Thursday, October 28, 2021, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced the launch of an initiative aimed at ensuring that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technology-driven tools utilized in hiring and other employment decisions complies with anti-discrimination laws. While acknowledging that AI and algorithmic tools
Nominee Announced to Become Head of MSHA
On November 12, 2021, the White House announced the nomination of Christopher Williamson to become the assistant secretary of Mine Safety and Health. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Williamson will become the top leader of the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), filling the position that has remained vacant