The Proskauer Brief: Hot Topics in Labor & Employment Law

In this episode of The Proskauer Brief, partners Harris Mufson and Evandro Gigante discuss the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s recent guidance for employers regarding mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations. On December 16th, 2020, the EEOC issued updated guidance for employers in light of the FDA's recent authorization of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use. Widespread vaccinations have been largely perceived as critical in returning all employees to the workplace in a safe manner and allowing employers to resume normal business operations. Tune in as we discuss what many employers should consider regarding requiring employees to be vaccinated before returning to the office.

In this episode of The Proskauer Brief, partners Harris Mufson and Guy Brenner discuss the Trump administration’s recent Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping, which restricts the concepts that government contractors can include in their employee diversity and awareness training programs.  It also imposes certain penalties and sanctions, including debarment for failure to comply. Tune in as we discuss key considerations for government contractors in the wake of the order.

In this episode of The Proskauer Brief, partner Harris Mufson and associate Phil Lebel discuss recent legal developments in California, specifically a new supplemental paid sick leave law and coronavirus (COVID-19) exposure notification requirements. Tune in as we discuss steps employers can take to ensure compliance with these new requirements.

In this episode of The Proskauer Brief, partners Harris Mufson and Allan Bloom discuss the U.S. Department of Labor’s proposed new rule on independent contractor classification.  In recent years, the misclassification of workers as independent contractors has been the subject of a number of private lawsuits and investigations by government agencies.  This is true for traditional industries and also companies within the gig economy, which rely heavily on independent contractors.  So be sure to tune in as we address how this proposed rule may impact employers’ classification of workers.

In this episode of The Proskauer Brief, partners Harris Mufson, Seth Safra, Mike Lebowich and Guy Brenner discuss recent developments associated with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Tune in as we address the latest legislative developments and issues employers should be thinking about when confronting the ramifications of this virus in the workplace.

In this episode of The Proskauer Brief, partners Harris Mufson and Guy Brenner discuss the coronavirus and what employers should be thinking about regarding that virus in the workplace. While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has stated that most American workers are not at significant risk of infection at this time, it’s never too early for employers to consider how they can address employees’ concerns and help prevent an outbreak and address one if it occurs.  Tune in as we discuss practical tips and advice for employers who are thinking about being proactive in terms of confronting the potential issues associated with the coronavirus.

In this episode of The Proskauer Brief, partners Harris Mufson and Evandro Gigante discuss considerations and best practices associated with reductions in force.  Companies that make a business decision to reduce its staffing should consider what goals they are looking to achieve. Is it cost reduction or a consolidation of positions?  Or is it to weed out lower performing employees?  These considerations will tend to inform whether the employer decides to do a voluntary reduction in force or involuntary reduction in force.  Tune as we discuss practical tips for employers considering a RIF.

In this episode of The Proskauer Brief, partners Tony Oncidi and Kate Gold discuss California's most recent legislative response to the #MeToo movement.  These developments include new restrictions on confidentiality and arbitration as well as the extension of the statute of limitations applicable to harassment, discrimination and retaliation claims.  So be sure to tune in as Tony and Kate highlight the most important new laws facing California employers in the Age of #MeToo.

In this episode of The Proskauer Brief, partners Harris Mufson and Evandro Gigante discuss recent updates in state laws regarding voting leaves and political activities by employees. Currently twenty-two states have laws on the books that require some form of paid voting leave for employees.  With Election Day right around the corner, New York recently changed their law so that an employee is entitled to as much time off as needed that’s going to enable that employee to vote in an election, up to which three of those hours have to be paid.  Given the wide range of laws governing employee voting and political activities, employers should review their policies to insure that they are compliant with applicable state law. 

In this episode of The Proskauer Brief, New York partner Howard Robbins and London partner Dan Ornstein discuss how U.K. laws affect U.S. employers. As if dealing with U.S. employment laws are not difficult enough, international businesses also have to face several challenges of local requirements.  Tune in as we discuss many U.K. laws on discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and their similarities to U.S. counterparts. In addition we will highlight what impact Brexit may have on U.K. employment law, including changes in relation to the protections of part-time or agency workers, and workers in the gig economy.