It has been almost exactly four years since the COVID-19 pandemic changed the American working landscape. Many of us followed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through multiple changes and guidance, including from no mask, to mask, to no mask.
Congress Violated U.S. Constitution When It Passed Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, Texas Court Rules
Congress improperly passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, including the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), a federal court in Texas has ruled. State of Texas v. Department of Justice et al., No. 5:23-cv-00034 (N.D. Tex. Feb. 27, 2024). The court permanently enjoined the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Department of Justice from enforcing the PWFA against the State of Texas and its agencies.
St. Paul Issues New Guidance For Employers Complying with the City’s Earned Sick and Safe Time Ordinance
Continuing the wave of new rules and regulations related to paid leave in Minnesota, on Jan. 8, 2024, the St. Paul Department of Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity (HREEO) issued guidance on its interpretation of St. Paul’s Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) Ordinance. St. Paul revised its ESST Ordinance in October 2023 to align with Minnesota’s ESST law, which went into effect Jan. 1, 2024
D.C. Employers Must Comply With Paid Family Leave Notice Requirement
The D.C. Department of Employment Services (DOES) has issued a new Paid Family Leave notice/poster. This notice must be posted in a “conspicuous place”, such as where the employer posts employment-related information, and must be provided to employees, on or before Feb. 1, 2024.
Guidance Interpreting Minnesota’s New Earned Sick and Safe Time Law
Minnesota’s statewide paid sick and safe leave mandate, the Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) law, went into effect Jan. 1, 2024. The Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) has posted answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ Guide) that it revised on Dec. 4, 2023.
Philadelphia’s COVID-19 Sick Leave Law Expires
Philadelphia’s COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave law expired on Dec. 31, 2023. As a result, as of Jan. 1, 2024, employers are no longer required to provide additional paid sick leave to employees when they are absent for certain COVID-19 reasons.
Massachusetts Updates Paid Family and Medical Leave Poster, Notice, Contribution and Benefit Amounts
The Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave has released an updated version of its workplace poster for 2024 reflecting the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act (PFMLA) contribution and benefit increases that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.
City of Pittsburgh to Strictly Enforce Paid Sick Days Ordinance, Investigate Food Service Industry
The City of Pittsburgh’s Office of Equal Protection (OEP) has announced that it will begin strict enforcement and compliance checks for local businesses to ensure they are complying with their obligations under the Pittsburgh Paid Sick Days Act (Ordinance). The “compliance campaign” will focus on the food services industry.
Updated Rates for California EDD Benefits and San Francisco Paid Parental Leave Ordinance for 2024
The California Employment Development Department (EDD) has released the 2024 Voluntary Plan Employee Contribution and Benefit Rate.
Cook County, Illinois, Replaces Earned Sick Leave Ordinance With Paid Leave Ordinance
For Illinois employers, the new year brings a variety of new paid leave laws, the most recent being the Cook County Paid Leave Ordinance passed by the Cook County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 14, 2023.
When Will the Ball Drop? Still Waiting on the PWFA Final Regulations
We rang in the new year waiting and watching for the issuance of the EEOC’s final regulations implementing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) received the text of the final regulations for review on December 27. Assuming that the EEOC’s final regulations clear this review, we expect the regulations to be published in the Federal Register soon.
Q1 2024 Legal Updates
On Jan. 1, 2024, California’s Senate Bill (SB) 616 takes effect, increasing the amount of paid sick leave employers are required to provide to California employees.
The City of San Diego Releases Guidance on Compliance with State and Local Paid Sick Leave
On Jan. 1, 2024, California’s Senate Bill (SB) 616 takes effect, increasing the amount of paid sick leave employers are required to provide to California employees.
California Labor Commissioner Publishes Updated FAQ for California Paid Sick Leave
In October, California passed Senate Bill (SB) 616, which increases the amount of paid sick leave employers are required to provide to California employees.
Effective Date of Chicago Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance Delayed to July 1, 2024
The Chicago City Council has passed an amendment to the Chicago Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance to delay its effective date to July 1, 2024, in addition to other changes.
Saint Paul Changes Earned Sick and Safe Time Ordinance as Second City to Align With Minnesota’s Leave Law
Employers in Minnesota are not the only ones gearing up for Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time (ESST) law to take effect on Jan. 1, 2024. Cities in Minnesota are also making changes to their respective earned sick and safe time ordinances.
2024 Will Bring Anaheim’s Hotel Worker Protection Ordinance
The Anaheim Hotel Worker Protection Ordinance takes effect Jan. 1, 2024, though it had a rocky path to passage.
U.S. Supreme Court Vacates, Dismisses as Moot Decision Holding ADA ‘Tester’ Has Standing to Sue
The U.S. Supreme Court vacated a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit holding a self-appointed “tester” has standing to sue under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).
The New Year Brings New Leave Laws
Get ready to ring in the new year with new and expanded employer leave obligations. Chicago’s new Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance will take effect on Dec. 31, 2023 and the following laws go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.
Illinois Department of Labor Publishes Proposed Rules Implementing the Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act
On Nov. 3, 2023, the Illinois Department of Labor (“IDOL”) published proposed rules implementing the Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act (“PLAWA”). While the proposed rules will not be finalized until after the PLAWA takes effect on Jan. 1, 2024, they provide additional guidance employers should consider when reviewing their leave policies for compliance with the Act.