Ver la versión en español aquí Vaccine passports seem to be the hot button issue of the day. Most of the media coverage and remarks from politicians have focused on businesses requiring customers, guests or students having proof of vaccination before returning to school or entering the business establishment. But what about employers? Can an … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí During this pandemic, Florida businesses are caught between a rock and hard place. If they open too soon, they risk lawsuits from customers claiming they acquired COVID-19 at their business. If they remain closed or operate at limited capacity, they face the possibility of going out of business. Fortunately, … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí Until recently, having a pre-existing medical condition bumped you to the front of the line for eligibility to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Florida. But as of yesterday, April 5, all Floridians age 18 and older are now eligible to receive a vaccine. As a result, I suspect in … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí On March 8, President Biden issued an Executive Order (“EO”) On Establishment of the White House Gender Policy Council (the “Council”). The purpose of the Council is to promote gender equity and equality with the goal of advancing equal rights and opportunities regardless of one’s gender or gender identity. The … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí It’s hard to believe that I’ve been working from home for an entire year. I almost cannot believe what I’m writing! And I know I’m not alone. In the midst of the pandemic, so many of us are working from home. And not just working from home, but a … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí A year into the pandemic, many employees have fled their home states to work remotely out-of-state. These employees have been working “remotely” in states in which their employers have no operations. So what’s the problem? State and local taxes and employment laws, of course. This blog is part one … Continue Reading
Accompanying most U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charges of employment discrimination is an inquiry from the EEOC’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) unit regarding whether an employer would like an opportunity through mediation to resolve the charge with its former or current employee. If both the employer and employee agree, the EEOC ADR unit will … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí The champagne was still flowing in the Alabama locker room on Monday night following their thumping of Ohio State in the College Football National Championship Game when sports media outlets began to publish their “Way Too Early” Top 25 polls for next season. It is a stark reminder that … Continue Reading
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) became federal law on April 1, 2020. (For a detailed discussion on FFCRA coverage see our blog post dated March 20, 2020). The FFCRA was the first federal legislation mandating nationwide paid leave for employees. Unlike many other federal employment laws, the FFCRA contained a “use by” date … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí Finally, there is a light at the end of this tunnel. COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for use and are currently being shipped nationwide. COVID-19 vaccinations are a polarizing topic. Well-regarded medical professionals report that the vaccines are between 94-95% effective, have minimal side effects (which do not include … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí Pre-COVID, employees could pop into the office supply closet for the ream of paper they needed to print that 50-page report, or the box of staples, pens and pack of tabs to refill their dwindling supply. Now, they may be buying office supplies as they work from home. In … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí I’m sure you’ve been reading enough about COVID or how a Biden administration might swing the workplace pendulum back towards employees and unions (I think it’s a good bet), so let’s focus on the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for now. Can you imagine a time when employees will … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí For those employers who also have New York employees, heads up: a new leave law will apply to you starting this Wednesday. New York has enacted a state-wide, permanent sick leave law, separate and apart from the state’s COVID-19 Quarantine Leave Law. In an unusual twist, this state law … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí Most businesses in this country (and the world, for that matter) remain hobbled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Amazon is the exception. Another notable exception is Peloton, the exercise bike maker, which is glowing in its 172% surge in total revenue, with gains in subscribers and demand … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí The 2020 Legislative Session concluded in May and bills have been making their way to the Governor for signature. Although this has progressed more slowly than is ordinary due to the ongoing pandemic, several labor and employment-related bills have been signed into law nonetheless. Here are three particularly notable … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí We are in the midst of a global pandemic, with many employers struggling financially to survive. Yet, surprisingly, the biggest news from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is not new safety rules intended to protect employees from the novel coronavirus. Instead, last Friday, the DOL published revised optional-use … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí Businesses often ask customers to sign a waiver before renting a Sea-Doo, zip-lining, tubing, or perhaps even so your child can bounce on a trampoline or in a bounce house. But can a business use a waiver to avoid liability if a customer contracts COVID-19 after visiting the business? … Continue Reading
Earlier this week, we hosted a “Back to Work Virtual Chat.” As businesses begin to re-open and adjust to the “new normal”, we hoped to provide employers, big or small, with guidance to help navigate through these unprecedented times. Our goal was to provide practical information (not legal advice) to help organizations address the various … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí While we are all busy thinking about ways to safeguard ourselves, our families, and our businesses during the coronavirus pandemic, let us not forget that hurricane season is just around the corner. It runs from June 1 through November 30. Unfortunately, NOAA has predicted a busy 2020 Atlantic hurricane … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí Where did the 8 hour, 5 day work week come from? Ford Motor Company in 1914, but it was a long time coming. Before that, factories were open around-the-clock with employees working long days and 100 hour weeks. In the late 1880s, a labor movement started using a slogan … Continue Reading
Trying to juggle work and home? Wish you had a crystal ball to see the future “new normal” workplace? Wouldn’t you welcome some guidance on return to work issues? Problem solved – we know how to juggle and we have a crystal ball! We also can provide guidance on important workplace issues that HR and … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí COVID-19 has thrown a wrench into every employer’s near-term plans. While many companies have temporarily shut down, and many others have put hiring on hold, some employers will have to kickstart their hiring efforts as the economy begins to reopen. Data shows that the stay-at-home economy created a surge … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the majority of businesses to at least offer, if not require, work-from-home options for employees. Employers are now facing many challenges that come with maintaining the same level of productivity when employees are working remotely. Below are a few guidelines to help ensure that … Continue Reading
Dear Clients and Friends, These words just came out of my mouth, “I have extra toilet paper I can trade for some rice.” Yesterday, I wore gloves, a face mask and carried homemade alcohol wipes in order to go food shopping. How the world has changed in one month! So this will not come as … Continue Reading
