Latest from Law and the Workplace
Pennsylvania Employers Must Pay for Time Spent in Security Screenings
On July 21, 2021, answering a question certified by the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court held that time spent by employees waiting to undergo and undergoing mandatory security screening on an employer’s premises is compensable “hours worked” under Pennsylvania law. The decision from the Commonwealth’s high court, … Continue Reading
President Biden Signs Executive Order Targeting Noncompetition Agreements
Overview On July 9, 2021, President Biden signed an Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy (the “Order”), which, among other things, “encourage[s]” the “Chair of the [Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”)] . . . to consider working with the rest of the Commission to exercise the FTC’s statutory rulemaking authority . . … Continue Reading
Supreme Court: “Concrete Injury” Required for Standing in Federal Court
On June 25, 2021, the United States Supreme Court held that class members who could not establish “concrete harm” flowing from alleged statutory violations of Federal Credit Report Act (“FCRA”) lacked Article III standing to seek relief in federal court. (Transunion LLC v. Ramirez, No. 20-297 (U.S. June 25, 2021). Factual Background Plaintiff alleged that … Continue Reading
Employee Disability and Cannabis Oil Protections Set to Take Effect in Virginia
Quick Hit: Two new laws in Virginia providing disability discrimination protections and protections for medicinal use of cannabis oil for employees go into effect July 1, 2021. Key Takeaway: Virginia, once known as a jurisdiction with very few state employment laws, is quickly changing that reputation with the passage of numerous new laws since the … Continue Reading
OSHA Releases First Coronavirus Emergency Temporary Standard and Updates Non-Mandatory Guidance
On June 21, 2021, OSHA’s first emergency temporary standard (“ETS”) aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace went into effect. The mandatory standards apply only to the health-care sector. OSHA also released several Fact Sheets and almost 100 FAQs regarding the ETS. In addition, OSHA released updated non-mandatory guidance for industries outside … Continue Reading
New Maryland COVID-19 Workplace Safety Law
UPDATE: As of July 1, 2021, the state of emergency in Maryland has ended, which, per the terms of the law, means the employer requirements in the Maryland Essential Workers’ Protection Act should no longer be in effect. If Maryland’s Governor reinstates the state of emergency order, the requirements may again apply. Quick Hit: Maryland … Continue Reading
