In 2019, Oregon Governor Kate Brown signed the Workplace Fairness Act (OWFA), which took full effect as of October 1, 2020. Among other things, the law prohibits employers from requiring employees to enter into agreements that would prevent them from disclosing conduct constituting discrimination and harassment (including sexual assault) prohibited
Archives for March 11, 2022
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Regional Center Program Returning
Congress is set to pass Omnibus spending legislation that includes reauthorization of the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Regional Center Program, which has been suspended since June 2021.
The Regional Center Program allows eligible investors to apply for green cards if they make the necessary monetary investment and create or preserve at
Jeff Hirsch Receives Ranking in 2022 Edition of Chambers Global
About Chambers Global
Chambers Global ranks the top lawyers and law firms in over 200 jurisdictions across the world. Since 1990, Chambers and Partners has identified and ranked the most outstanding law firms and lawyers in more than 180 jurisdictions worldwide. Chambers bases its listings solely on extensive research and outside evaluations of merit through a
Updated California Supplemental Paid Sick Leave FAQs Answer Some Big Questions
California’s Labor Commissioner has updated its FAQs concerning
Philadelphia’s COVID-19 Paid Leave Ordinance for 2022 and 2023
On March 3, 2022, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s City Council adopted and sent to the mayor (who we expect to sign) Bill # 220051-A, an ordinance requiring covered employers to provide paid “COVID-19 Leave” starting immediately (when the law officially takes effect upon signature by the mayor) and through December 31,
Beltway Buzz, March 11, 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.
Oregon Legislature Passes Equal Pay Act Amendments Extending Temporary Exclusion of Certain Incentive Payments
The Oregon Legislative Assembly recently passed Senate Bill (SB) 1514, extending the expiration date of temporary amendments to Oregon’s Equal Pay Act. The act prohibits employers from “discriminat[ing] between employees on the basis of a protected class in the payment of wages or other compensation for work of a comparable
O-1 and EB-1 Visa Adjudication Following USCIS Change
USCIS has increased the evidentiary burden for petitions for the O-1 Extraordinary Ability visa to mirror that for the EB-1 Extraordinary Ability visa.
Both the O-1 nonimmigrant and EB-1 immigrant visa classifications remain important and flexible methods of sponsoring outstanding talent in the United States. Unfortunately, USCIS backlogs and processing
Washington’s ‘Silenced No More Act’ Would Limit Use of Nondisclosure and Nondisparagement Provisions in Employment Agreements
The Washington Legislature recently voted to send the Silenced No More Act (Engrossed Substitute House Bill [ESHB] 1795) to Governor Jay Inslee’s desk for signature. As currently drafted, the proposed legislation would prohibit nondisclosure and nondisparagement provisions in agreements between employers and employees regarding “illegal acts of discrimination, harassment, retaliation,
Pittsburgh Issues Important Guidance for Employers Related to Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence
Following the passage of a bill that expanded the City’s anti-discrimination law to include employee “status as a victim of domestic violence,” Pittsburgh recently published additional guidance for employers.
The guidance explains that employers must reasonably accommodate employees who are domestic violence victims, unless they can prove that doing so
Wisconsin Supreme Court Eases the Burden for Employers Defending Arrest and Conviction Record Discrimination Claims Under State Law
The Wisconsin Fair Employment Act (WFEA) prohibits employers from discriminating against applicants and employees on the basis of their arrest and conviction records.1 Generally, an employer cannot make decisions on the basis of an arrest or conviction record unless the crimes “substantially relate” to the circumstances of the job
Why You Should Consider Paying Candidates to Interview
When you interview job candidates, you’re paid for your time, either as part of your salaried duties or an actual hourly rate. Job candidates not only do it for free, but they also take time off work (often unpaid), hire babysitters, pay for transportation, and maybe even buy a new
Light at the End of the Tunnel: Puerto Rico Government Eliminates Most COVID-19 Restrictions
With COVID-19 positivity rates falling below 3.4%, on March 7, 2022, Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi issued Executive Order 2022-019 (EO), drastically changing previously issued COVID-19 measures and guidelines by eliminating most requirements regarding masks, capacity limits and vaccination mandates.
Do Employers Need a CISO for ERISA Compliance?
According to a recent survey, about 45% of companies do not have a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). As West Monroe’s “The Importance of a CISO” observes, it would be terrific for all organizations to have a CISO, but that simply may not be practical for some, particularly smaller organizations.
California Legislature Considers Employer Vaccine Mandate
As COVID-19 restrictions loosen around the state, California’s legislature continues its consideration of legislation pertaining to the pandemic.
Assembly Bill (AB) 1993 which was introduced in February proposes that employers require employees and independent contractors who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to show proof of vaccination. Current employees