With a large portion of the manufacturing workforce reaching age 55 and older, and with the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic brought in 2020, the industry has been confronted with a shortage of interested and skilled applicants.
Articles Discussing Human Resources And Other Workplace Topics.
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021: Workshare Back in Play
A technical amendment to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Act) again makes workshare a viable cost-cutting option for employers, while providing financial security for employees.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect Under the Biden-Harris Administration
COVID Vaccine // Kathleen Berney and Mark Macchi
On December 16, 2020, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) published guidance on administering COVID-19 vaccinations in the workplace and provided information about religious and medical exemptions to mandatory vaccination programs. Despite this guidance, which suggests that mandatory vaccination programs are acceptable, at
Mandatory COVID-19 Benefits Under Families First Coronavirus Response Act Have Ended, Now What?
In March 2020, when Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) with a sunset date of December 31, 2020, few anticipated the COVID-19 pandemic would be ongoing into 2021. Several similar state and local laws also sunset at the end of 2020. But the pandemic has not slowed,
Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021: Updates to Paycheck Protection Program
On December 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law Congress’s spending bill, the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), 2021, which included the Additional Coronavirus Response and Relief (ACRR) provisions that modified the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The PPP, a loan program designed to provide a direct incentive
Anticipating a COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard in 2021
A contentious issue during the recent presidential campaign was the Trump administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. No matter where one fell along the spectrum of supporters and critics, there was no denying the wide gulf of positions on the topic.
The First Amendment: Where it is Implicated, and Where it is Not
Executive Summary: In the wake of the January 6, 2021, unrest at the United States Capitol Building and several social media outlets suspending President Trump’s accounts, free speech is a hot topic. Although the right to free speech is ingrained into American life, free speech is not absolute. The Constitutional right to free speech is not implicated by the actions of these private social media platforms because they are private entities, not arms of the government. Moreover, the First Amendment does not protect certain speech intended to incite or produce violence and lawless action.
2021: The Year Ahead for Employers
In 2020, COVID-19 collided with a presidential election, forever altering the workplace as we knew it. In 2021 employers are faced with reimagining the employer/employee relationship while simultaneously trying to keep pace with the evolution of workplace law.
After Brief COVID-Related Hiatus, Employers Face Return of Social Security Administration “No-Match” Letters
During the early months of the pandemic, the Social Security Administration (SSA) took a break from issuing “no-match” letters to employers. It appears that towards the end of 2020, however, the SSA has resumed this practice.
Wellness Programs and Water Bottles, the EEOC Proposes New Rules under the ADA and GINA
Since 1996, when Congress passed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), employers have been struggling with whether and to what extent they could offer incentives to employees to participate in certain “wellness programs.” The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) position on these programs has been a significant driver
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021: Top Practical Considerations on FSA, Election Change Relief
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Act) provides certain COVID-19-related relief, including temporary additional flexibility regarding flexible spending accounts (FSAs). Employers have several practical considerations when deciding whether to adopt one or more of the changes in their plans.
Under the FSA changes, employees need not lose the benefit of the dollars
Restaurant Industry in 2021 Series: Tips
Restauranteurs continue to be challenged by the mandated closures and limitations on operations because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
U.S. Department of Labor Finalizes New Independent Contractor Rule, but will it Last?
On Jan. 7, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published a new test to determine whether workers are independent contractors or employees under federal law. For the first time, the DOL’s independent contractor test is stated in a federal regulation so that employers, workers, the DOL, and courts alike can rely on the same test. The big question is whether the Biden administration will prevent the new rule from going into effect as scheduled on March 8, 2021.
UPDATE: NCAA President Recommends Delay In Name, Image and Likeness Vote
Following receipt of a letter from the United State Department of Justice-Antitrust Division expressing concern about the NCAA’s anticipated vote, NCAA President Mark Emmert has “strongly recommended” to his membership that the NCAA vote currently scheduled for Monday to potentially ratify name, image and likeness (NIL) rights for collegiate student-athletes
New COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Air Travellers Flying into Canada
On January 6, 2021, Canada’s federal government issued a News Release announcing the issuance of an Interim Order by its Minister of Transport, the Honourable Marc Garneau. Among other things