By: Dennis P. Duffy Despite COVID-19, the need to conduct internal investigations persists. Indeed, employers have seen an increase in whistleblower and similar complaints that require employer investigation. Due to COVID-related restrictions, an increasing number of employer investigations are being conducted remotely using Zoom, Skype, FaceTime and other communications technology. In this initial post, we […]
Tips for Conducting Effective Internal Investigations —Including “Zoom” Investigations — Part I
EEOC Guidance: Employer Mandated Vaccinations?
On December 16, 2020, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) issued further guidance about the employment rules applicable during the COVID-19 pandemic—this time focusing on employer-mandated vaccinations. The latest guidance updates previous EEOC thought “What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and other EEO Law”. In the new Section K. […]
Nasdaq Announces Diversity Requirements
By: F. Colin Duham On December 1, 2020, Nasdaq introduced new listing rules aimed at increasing diversity among directors at companies listed on its exchange. In particular, under its proposal, companies listed on the Nasdaq would be required to either have, or explain why they do not have, at least two diverse directors and to […]
Navigating Marijuana Use In The Workplace
By: Emily Green and Colin Durham Leading up to the 2020 general election, thirty-four states (34) had legalized marijuana for medical use and an additional ten (10) states had legalized the drug for recreational use. While the federal government has chosen not to enforce federal law in states that have legalized the drug, marijuana remains […]
The Southern District of New York Strikes Again: The Thorn in the Department of Labor’s Side
In the last two months, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York has ruled against the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) twice, most recently on September 8, 2020. In both cases, the court sided with states challenging rules issued by the DOL to provide guidance on the implementation of the […]
Returning to Work in the Shadow of COVID-19: Resources and Suggested Approaches for Employers
This white paper written by Richard Hathaway, Andrea Johnson, Darren Harrington, and Douglas Bracken examines the brief history of COVID-19 and the resulting business closures. It also examines current efforts to reopen businesses and identify several sources of guidance for employers looking to safely reopen. The white paper further examines some of the special considerations […]
OSHA Memo Permitting Discretion in Enforcement Based on Employer’s Good Faith Efforts During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic
OSHA’s April 16, 2020 guidance memo from OSHA’s Directorate of Enforcement provides OSHA area offices with unusual discretion in citing employers who otherwise exercised “good-faith” in attempting to comply with OSHA’s various standards but failed due to circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The discretion provided to OSHA’s area offices by this guidance will only […]
Summary: Executive Order on Delegating Authority Under the DPA with Respect to Food Supply Chain Resources During the National Emergency Caused by the Outbreak of COVID-19
An executive order (“Order”) was signed by President Trump on April 28, 2020 addressing the recent closures of many meat and poultry processing plants. Based on initial reports, the President appears to have issued the Order in response to concerns raised by Tyson Foods regarding potential liability to its workers from COVID exposure. As discussed below, […]
Coronavirus FAQ #4 for Employers – CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program
As part of KRCL’s COVID-19 Resources and Insights, the Employment Law Practice Group presents Q&A on the Paycheck Protection Program under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES”), as put together by Director Demetri Economou and Associate Emily Green. CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program FAQ
Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES)
CARES: The Impact on Business, Employers and Employees Today, March 27, 2020, President Trump signed the largest and most comprehensive act to aid businesses, employers and employees, particularly in the small business segment, during this COVID-19 pandemic. The hefty price tag, $2 trillion, will provide direct relief to businesses, with the specific goal of assisting […]