The likelihood of an employee testing positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increases with every new case. By now, employers know that employees suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 must be kept away from the workplace. But, when should they be allowed back? The Centers for...
The Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Bostock v. Clayton County is significant yet simple. “An employer who fires an individual merely for being gay or transgender defies the law.” Discrimination on the basis of an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity (transgender status) is now...
COVID-19 will change our world in many ways, some good and some bad. The same holds true for the insurance marketplace. While in the midst of the crisis, it is hard to predict, but the following considerations should be noted. Property policy and the corresponding business...
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act was enacted March 18, 2020. Since then, employers have been anxiously preparing for the FFCRA’s two new paid sick leave laws—the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act. Many had questions, but few had answers. Fortunately,...
In a bipartisan effort, Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to address the health and economic impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This federal law includes a new paid sick leave requirement to help employees who miss work due to COVID-19. It’s called the Emergency...
The economic impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is spreading like the virus itself. As the financial effects trickle down from global organizations to regional and local businesses, many are asking whether losses caused by COVID-19 are or will be covered by insurance. This isn’t an easy question because...
The Fair Labor Standards Act’s regulations are changing again. These changes involve joint employment under the FLSA, which is important because joint employers are individually and jointly responsible for FLSA compliance and legally liable for violations. According to the Department of Labor, the revised regulations will reduce uncertainty over joint...
Does Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, transgender status or sex stereotyping? We don’t know…yet. Three cases currently pending before the United States Supreme Court should give us an answer. Two of these cases involve sexual orientation discrimination. The third...
Holiday celebrations provide an excellent opportunity for coworkers and management to mingle and interact with one another. They can create a positive work environment, increase employee morale and promote teamwork. They can also expose employers to potential liability if something goes wrong. Holiday parties often involve alcohol, which can lead to...
The Fair Labor Standards Act’s new white-collar exemption regulations did more than increase the minimum salary requirement for exempt executive, administrative and professional employees from $455 to $684 per week. They also let employers use nondiscretionary bonuses, incentives and commissions to satisfy up to 10 percent of the minimum salary requirement....