On July 1, 2020, Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine signed an order expanding face covering–wearing requirements in Pennsylvania. Under the order, face coverings must now be worn almost any time an individual leaves home, including in most outdoor settings.
Articles About Pennsylvania Labor And Employment Law.
Philadelphia Enacts Anti-Retaliation Ordinance for COVID-19 Workplace Complaints
On June 26, 2020, Philadelphia became the first city in the United States to enact legislation specifically protecting workers who make complaints about workplace safety due to COVID-19.
New Pennsylvania COVID-19 Grant Program Helps Employers Provide Hazard Pay to Employees in Life-Sustaining Occupations
On July 16, 2020, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced the COVID-19 PA Hazard Pay Grant Program—a $50 million grant aimed to help employers provide hazard pay to “front-line” employees working in sectors that are vital to the state during the pandemic. Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Addresses Consideration for Noncompetes
In Pennsylvania, noncompetition agreements must, among other things, be supported by adequate consideration to be enforceable. It is well established that an initial offer of employment constitutes adequate consideration. It is also well established that a noncompetition agreement presented to an employee after the start of employment must be supported
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Expands Ability of Certain Employees to Bring Discrimination and Harassment Retaliation Claims under Whistleblower Law
On June 16, 2020, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court opened a new avenue for employees to file retaliation claims. In a majority decision,1 the court held that the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) is not the only pathway for a former employee to pursue a claim for wrongful termination for reporting
Philadelphia Expands Employment Protections for Domestic Workers
Effective May 1, 2020, Philadelphia became the tenth jurisdiction to enact employment legislation to protect domestic workers.1 The Philadelphia Domestic Worker Bill of Rights (DWBR) requires companies and individuals who employ domestic workers to provide them with written employment contracts, meal and rest breaks, and paid and unpaid leave. It
Certain Non-Life-Sustaining Businesses in 37 Pennsylvania Counties Permitted to Reopen, but Must Implement Specific Health and Safety Measures
On May 8, 2020, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf moved 24 counties from the “red” to “yellow” phase under his Process to Reopen Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Court Allows Unemployment Benefits For CBD User
A Pennsylvania court affirmed an order of the Unemployment Compensation Board of Review holding a claimant to be eligible for unemployment benefits after her employer terminated her employment for testing positive for marijuana. Washington Health System v. Unemployment Compensation Board of Review, No. 886 C.D. 2019 (May 11, 2020).
The
Certain Businesses in 24 Pennsylvania Counties Permitted to Reopen, but Must Implement Specific Health and Safety Measures
Certain Businesses in 24 Pennsylvania Counties Permitted to Reopen, but Must Implement Specific Health and Safety Measures
On May 1, 2020, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced that, effective May 8, 2020, 24 Pennsylvania counties will be moved from the “red” to “yellow” phase under the governor’s Process to Reopen Pennsylvania. The counties are: Bradford, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lycoming, McKean, Mercer, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, Union, Venango, and Warren.
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Narrows Independent Contractor Test Under State’s Unemployment Law
On April 22, 2020, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued a decision affecting the classification of independent contractors for purposes of the state Unemployment Compensation Law (UCL).
Philadelphia Clarifies City’s WARN Act to Account for COVID-19-Related Closures
Late on April 20, 2020, the City of Philadelphia issued Temporary Emergency Regulations to the Philadelphia Notification of Intention to Close or Relocate Operations ordinance (Philadelphia WARN Act), continuing the trend of changes to state and local WARN obligations in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.1
Pennsylvania Businesses Directed to Implement Public Health Safety Measures
Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine has issued an order requiring protections for critical workers who are employed at businesses that are authorized to maintain in-person operations during the COVID-19 emergency. The order took effect immediately on April 15, 2020, but does not become “enforceable” until 8 p.m. on April 19, 2020.
Significant New COVID-19 Health and Safety Requirements Imposed on Pennsylvania Businesses
Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Rachel Levine, M.D. issued an Order on April 15 aimed at preventing further spread of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. The Order was immediately effective, but it will not be enforced until 8:00 p.m. Sunday, April 19, 2020. Under the Order, life-sustaining businesses authorized to maintain in-person operations are required to implement numerous health and safety measures that require: reconfiguration of work and public spaces; deployment of protective equipment such as masks and shields; notices to customers and employees; and changes to scheduling and break procedures. These requirements affect all life-sustaining businesses except healthcare providers.
Pennsylvania Health Secretary’s Order Lays Out Extensive Requirements for Essential Employers
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has announced a new Order related to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. Signed by Dr. Rachel Levine under her authority as Secretary of the Department of Health, the April 15, 2020, Order is designed to provide additional protections for employees of essential businesses who are working during the pandemic — along with the public with whom they come into contact.
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