EEOC’s New COVID-19 Guidance: Employee Caregivers and Religious Exemptions
The EEOC recently revised its What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws guidance document to address two issues: the treatment of pandemic-related caregivers (Section I), and religious objections to the COVID-19 vaccine (Section L). With respect to pandemic-related caregivers, referring to employees who are caring for […]
Biden Administration Bans Arbitration of Workplace Sexual Harassment Claims
On March 4, 2022, President Biden signed ithe “Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act,” a new law banning mandatory arbitration for workplace sexual assault and sexual harassment claims. Arbitration is a form of dispute resolution outside of the court system. Many employment contracts broadly require employees to resolve claims against employers […]
CDC’s Latest Guidance: To Mask or Not Mask
On February 25, 2022 the CDC updated its masking guidance. The new recommendations are customized according to community risk. Each county across the US is designated “high,” “medium,” or “low” risk. “High” risk counties: residents are advised to mask indoors in public. “Medium” risk counties: residents should mask in some situations, including in high risk […]
Dane County’s Mask Mandate Set to Expire on March 1, 2022
On February 14, 2022, Public Health Madison Dane County (PHMDC) announced that it will no longer require face coverings in public indoor spaces after 12:00 a.m. on March 1, 2022.
Share the Love with Your Employees
It’s Valentine’s Day, the day we show a little extra love to those who are special to us. After the last two years, we all need a few more candy conversation hearts. Take a few moments today to take care of yourself and encourage your team to do the same. As we move through 2022, […]
OSHA Formally Withdraws COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing ETS
On the heels of the US Supreme Court’s recent ruling blocking enforcement of its COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS), OSHA issued a statement formally withdrawing the ETS as an enforceable temporary standard effective January 26, 2022. OSHA stated that it will continue to pursue the ETS as a proposed rule and focus […]
Milwaukee Institutes New Mask Ordinance
Starting January 22, 2022, Milwaukee’s new mask ordinance will go into effect until March 1, 2022. While similar to the previous Milwaukee Cares mask ordinance which expired on June 1, 2021 (see Lake Effect’s prior blog), the new ordinance has some distinct differences.
Supreme Court Decision on Vaccine Mandate
Supreme Court: OSHA Exceeded Its Authority by Requiring Large Employers to Adopt Mandatory Vaccination Policies, But Healthcare Providers Can Require Employee Vaccinations On January, 13, 2022, The US Supreme Court issued its much anticipated decision on two Biden Administration initiatives aimed at increasing COVID-19 vaccination rates across the nation: (1) OSHA’s Emergency Temporary Standard, which […]
CDC Shortens Recommended COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine Periods
On December 27, 2021, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised recommendations for people who test positive for or are exposed to COVID-19. The updated guidelines reflect recent evidence that transmission of the now-prevalent Omicron variant typically occurs 1-2 days prior to the onset of symptoms and 2-3 days after. The recommendations […]
I-9: Extension to Remote Validation
** Update December 2021** The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have extended the flexibility in complying with requirements related to Form I-9 until April 30, 2022. See our earlier blog for more information on how to obtain, remotely inspect, and retain copies of the identity and employment eligibility […]
