On January 20, 2021, during the first 24 hours of the new presidency, President Biden issued two sweeping executive orders that are likely to have implications for employers – and maybe all Americans – in the future. These two orders represent a significant “reset” to the momentum of the prior administration in the area of diversity and discrimination, and set the tone for a new administration’s policies and laws.
Category Archives: Uncategorized
DOL Publishes Final Rule on Independent Contractor Test
On January 6, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) finalized a proposed rule clarifying the distinction between employees and independent contractors. The final rule was published in the Federal Register on January 7, 2021. It is slated to take effect on March 8, 2021. As we discussed on September 22, 2020, this new rule reaffirms andContinue reading “DOL Publishes Final Rule on Independent Contractor Test”
EEOC Weighs in on Application of Equal Employment Opportunity Laws to Workplace COVID-19 Immunizations
As the first COVID-19 vaccinations are becoming available for public use, employers across the US are fretting over whether to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations among their workforce. On Wednesday, December 16, 2020, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) weighed in with much-anticipated guidance for employers considering their options. Spoiler alert: YES, employers may require COVID-19 vaccinations, butContinue reading “EEOC Weighs in on Application of Equal Employment Opportunity Laws to Workplace COVID-19 Immunizations”
Our Clients’ Top Five Remote Workplace Concerns
In this short video, Woltz & Folkinshteyn, P.C. shares the top five #remoteworkforce questions #employers are asking them right now, and provides tips for crafting remote #workplacepolicies to avoid common #employmentlaw risks.#wfpclaw #humanresources UPDATED: New video link – June 28, 2021.
NJ Employers – Get Ready for New COVID19 Safety Regulations!
On October 28, 2020, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed new executive order addressing COVID19 workplace safety. Under Executive Order No. 192 (“EO 192”), beginning November 5, 2020, NJ employers who require or permit employees to work on-site must maintain certain COVID19-related protocols. Also, EO 192 lays the groundwork for reporting and enforcement mechanisms forContinue reading “NJ Employers – Get Ready for New COVID19 Safety Regulations!”
Are your New York Sick Leave Policies Ready for January 1?
If you own or operate a private business in New York, and you haven’t updated your sick leave policies since before the pandemic, they are almost certainly out of date. This could be creating risk for your company. Keeping up with the numerous changes to local sick leave laws may not have been your topContinue reading “Are your New York Sick Leave Policies Ready for January 1?”
When are “Independent Contractors” Really “Employees”? The DOL Unveils Proposed New Test
The U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”), the agency tasked with enforcing the Fair Labor Standards Act, has long applied a six-factor “economic reality” test to distinguish between employees and independent contractors. Today, the DOL unveiled proposed regulations intended to clarify and streamline the existing test into a new 5-factor “economic realities” test. Under the newContinue reading “When are “Independent Contractors” Really “Employees”? The DOL Unveils Proposed New Test”
How to Save Time While Working Remotely (Harvard Business Review)
While I typically post only about legal news, the below article from Harvard Business Review was so clutch, I couldn’t resist. If I were still running HR at The New York Foundling, I would absolutely share this with my team. Those of you managing people in remote jobs might also want to share.