On March 3, 2022, the Indiana General Assembly passed House Bill 1001, which restricts employer COVID-19 vaccine mandates. The final version of the bill was signed right away by Governor Eric Holcomb and is effective immediately. The law’s most notable provisions require covered employers to accept (under certain conditions) medical,
Archives for March 4, 2022
Ukraine Will Be Given Temporary Protected Status, DHS Announces
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the designation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months.
This designation was made based on the ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Ukraine that prevent Ukrainian nationals, and those of no nationality who last habitually resided in
Viewpoint: A Checklist to Prepare for the DOL's Expansion of FMLA Audits
Jeff Nowak offers advice to employers on the DOL’s announcement that it will ramp up Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), as well as wage and hour, audits.
SHRM Online
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Early Covid-19 Disability Ruling Offers Blueprint for Lawsuits
Devjani Mishra weighs in on a recent case that considered the ADA as it specifically relates to Covid-19.
Bloomberg Law
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MA COVID-19 Sick Leave March 15, 2022 Expiration / April 29, 2022 Reimbursement Deadline
The law, as amended, requires employers to make paid leave time available to employees for COVID-related illnesses, quarantine, and vaccinations until the earlier of April 1, 2022 or the exhaustion of $100 million in program funds. On February 28, 2022, the Executive Office for Administration and Finance sent official notice
Law Firms Turn to AI to Vet Recruits, Despite Bias Concerns
Niloy Ray weighs in on employers using AI tools to increase diversity and the number of candidates for open positions.
Bloomberg Law
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Beltway Buzz, March 4, 2022
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.
California Employers Can Make Reasoned Choices as State Reduces Formal Workplace Masking Requirements
Effective March 1, 2022, there is no longer a hard requirement under the Cal/OSHA statewide Emergency Temporary Standard (CA ETS) or any other statewide requirement for employers to require unvaccinated persons (or fully vaccinated persons) to mask indoors at work.
Decreasing Prospects for Increasing the Federal Minimum Wage to $15
The centerpiece of the Biden administration’s labor and jobs agenda is an increase in the federal hourly minimum wage to $15 an hour. Last year President Biden, via executive power, instituted a $15 minimum wage for federal contractors, but it has proven a harder lift on Capitol Hill to
Court Strikes Down a Portion of the No Surprises Act Interim Regulations
While health plans, insurers, and providers are busy understanding and implementing the new requirements under the No Surprises Act, a U.S. District Court recently vacated an essential portion of the interim regulations carrying out the Act. While this decision applies nationwide, the court only vacated a portion of the interim
California DIR Takes Aim at Public Works Construction Sites – Construction Employers Should Review Workplace Safety Compliance
The Department of Industrial Relations’ (DIR) Labor Enforcement Task Force (LETF) has announced an initiative to inspect publicly funded construction sites to ensure employers provide worker’s compensation and follow labor laws, including workplace health and safety requirements.
With this new focus, construction employers who work on public works projects should review their
All Rise… For the Move to Boost Diversity on the U.S. Supreme Court
When President Biden revealed Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as his nominee to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, history was made. If her nomination is successful, Judge Jackson will be the first Justice in the Court’s 233-year history who is a Black woman.
Littler Principal Cindy-Ann Thomas and
CDC Updates COVID-19 Air Travel Guidance
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve daily, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its guidelines on what is required or recommended for travelers after their arrival in the United States. These new changes join the December 2021 requirements about travel to the United States.
Reiterating:
How Can I Attract Entry-Level Candidates Without Raising Pay?
I manage employees that earn $17 an hour to start. We used to be an employer of choice for entry-level candidates as we paid more than our competitors and our jobs require minimal training — a couple of hours, and you’re ready to go! California’s minimum wage is now $15