Latest from Law and the Workplace
New Maryland COVID-19 Workplace Safety Law
Quick Hit: Maryland has joined Virginia and New York in enacting a COVID-19 workplace safety law (HB 581), the Maryland Essential Workers’ Protection Act (the “EWPA” or the “Act”). The law imposes workplace requirements on certain employers during a health emergency – employers that operate in certain essential sectors and have employees who must work … Continue Reading
Illinois Legislature Passes Significant Restrictive Covenant Reform Bill
The Illinois Legislature recently passed a bipartisan bill, available here, that seeks to significantly amend the Illinois Freedom to Work Act (820 ILCS § 90) and impose restrictions on the use of non-competition and non-solicitation (employee and customer) restrictive covenants for Illinois employees. The bill is expected to be signed by Governor Pritzker, and would … Continue Reading
Guidance: The Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Employment Law
Employers have increasingly embraced artificial intelligence (“AI”) in the workplace, using the technology to maximize efficiency in nearly every aspect of the employment relationship including hiring, performance management, and discipline. The use of AI, however, comes with attendant risks. Indeed, while one might assume that AI is an ideal tool to serve as a neutral … Continue Reading
Massachusetts Enacts COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave
Last week, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed legislation providing for COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave for Massachusetts employees. Governor Baker vetoed an earlier version of the bill in April. The revised bill, signed into law on May 28, 2021, takes effect on Monday, June 7, 2021. Employees are eligible for COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave … Continue Reading
Chicago Introduces Wage Theft and Paid Secure Leave Ordinances
On May 26, 2021, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot introduced a series of ordinances (the “Ordinances”) which seek to implement new wage theft protections and provide certain employees with the ability to take paid “secure leave.” A copy of the Ordinances is available here. First, the Ordinances would amend the Chicago Municipal Code to provide that … Continue Reading
Amendments to D.C.’s New Law Banning Non-Competes Proposed
Quick Hit. On May 21, 2021, Councilmember Elissa Silverman proposed the Non-Compete Conflict of Interest Clarification Amendment Act of 2021 (the “Bill”), which would amend D.C.’s Ban on Non-Compete Agreements Amendment Act of 2020 (“Act”) which bans (with limited exceptions) all agreements and policies that restrict simultaneous and post-employment activities. Unfortunately, the Bill does not … Continue Reading
