Critics say the rule changes punish businesses that are trying to avert covid flareups and undermine the White House’s pandemic response.
Archives for December 2021
New York City Enacts Law that Hinders Use of Automated Tools in Hiring and Promotion Decisions
New York City marked the end of 2021 by enacting a law that will make it challenging, if not infeasible, to use a broad swath of algorithmic, computerized tools to review, select, rank or eliminate candidates for employment or promotion. Local Law Int. No. 1894-A, which takes effect on
White House, State Department Announcements on Travel Restrictions, Visa Interviews, and More
As 2021 comes to an end, the White House and the Department of State have announced:
South African Travel Restrictions Lifted.
The 14-day travel restrictions on southern African countries will be lifted as of midnight on December 31, 2021. Adopted on November 29th, the restrictions based on spread of the
New York City Law Grants Employees Paid COVID-19 Child Vaccination Leave
On December 24, 2021, New York City enacted a law (Introduction No. 2448-2021) permitting employees who are parents to take paid time off to accompany their children when they receive COVID-19 vaccinations. In addition, the law allows these employees to take paid time off to care for their children if
Washington Governor Clarifies That Employers Are Still ‘Legally Obligated’ to Pay Premiums Under the Washington Cares Act
On December 22, 2021, Governor Jay Inslee sent a letter to Washington’s Employment Security Department (ESD) ordering it to not collect premiums under the Washington Cares Fund program until the legislature addresses some of the law’s issues. The letter acknowledged that “legislative leadership has strongly encouraged the employer community to
What Are My Rights as an Exempt Employee?
CDC Shortens Quarantine and Isolation Periods for Certain Individuals
On Monday, December 27, 2021, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a press release announcing it was shortening its quarantine and isolation recommendations. The CDC expects Omicron variant cases to continue to increase without the severity that COVID-19 brought this time last year. The CDC research
EntertainHR: Top 10 Most Viewed Posts of 2021
As 2021 winds down, our EntertainHR blog approaches its seven-year anniversary next month. Therefore, in homage of what not to do in the workplace (based on examples of from television, film, and other popular media) and in the vein of shameless self-promotion, we contributors to EntertainHR have decided to
CDC’s Latest Guidance Shortens Quarantine Duration for Some COVID-19 Positive Individuals
On December 27, 2021, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its recommendation for lengths of quarantine and isolation in light of what is currently known about COVID-19 and the Omicron variant.
State Department Authorizes Consular Officers to Waive Interviews for Certain Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants Through 2022
The U.S. secretary of state, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has authorized consular officers to waive in-person interviews for certain nonimmigrant visa applicants through the end of 2022.
LIRC’s View of the ‘Substantially Related’ Defense to Arrest and Conviction Record Discrimination Claims: Will Recent Events in Waukesha Prompt Change?
Wisconsin is one of a limited number of states that prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of arrest or conviction records. The Wisconsin Fair Employment Act (WFEA) protects “properly qualified individuals” from unlawful discrimination “by reason of their … arrest record[s] [or] conviction record[s].” Employers defending against claims of
New York Department of Labor Releases Final Regulations for State Sick Leave Law
On December 22, 2021, the New York Department of Labor (Department) issued final regulations regarding the New York State Sick Leave Law (NYSSLL), which has been in effect since September 30, 2020.
Washington Long-Term Cares Fund Update: Employers Advised to Withhold Premiums Starting January 1
Washington Governor Jay Inslee has clarified that, starting January 1, “employers will still be legally obligated to pay the full amount owed to state ESD [Employment Security Department] to begin the long-term care program” under the Washington Long-Term Services and Supports Act, until the legislature changes the law.
As Omicron Surges, Officials Shorten Isolation Times for Many Americans
Hoping to prevent further disruptions to daily life, the C.D.C. reduced the period that certain infected Americans must sequester.
Fast Food Restaurant Owners Are Trying Crazy Stuff to Attract Workers. Here’s What’s Actually Working.
Their tactics for hiring new workers may change the fast-casual industry forever.