Employment Law Letter

Lack of clear communication with self-represented worker revives case

A trial court failed to provide clear and understandable instructions about the deadline for filing an amended complaint to a college professor who was acting as his own attorney in a race and sexual orientation...

May 10, 2020 · Employment Law Letter · California

Court rejects $16M punitive damages award, upholds $1.7M award for defamation

A California jury ordered Allstate Insurance Company to pay a former employee nearly $1 million for wrongful discharge, $1.7 million for defamation, and almost $16 million in punitive damages. Allstate appealed, arguing...

May 10, 2020 · Employment Law Letter · California

Business owner can't escape bond requirement by claiming indigence

When an employer doesn't pay wages as required by law, an employee may file a civil action in court or a wage claim with the California Labor Commissioner. Either party may appeal a decision or award by the labor...

May 10, 2020 · Employment Law Letter · California

Despite COVID-19 layoffs, some employers find ways to ease the blow

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused employers to shed workers in unprecedented numbers. When businesses closed or drastically cut services, millions of workers lost paychecks. But some employers have taken steps to protect...

May 10, 2020 · Employment Law Letter · California

MI governor issues stay-at-home order and prohibits operation of nonessential businesses

On March 23, 2020, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order (EO) 2020-21 titled “Stay Safe, Stay Home,” ordering Michigan residents to temporarily “suspend activities that are not necessary to sustain or protect...

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Advice on 'furloughs' and health insurance during COVID-19

Q We are concerned we may need to furlough several employees in the upcoming weeks. What considerations should we be aware of when furloughing employees? A In the collective bargaining context, a “furlough” generally...

You don't have to provide leave of absence if employee, family aren't ill

QOne of our building inspectors has requested a leave of absence because of COVID-19. He is living with his parents, who are both over 60, and is worried about exposing them to the virus because he can come into contact...

When planning your COVID-19 response, don't forget to document

When you're dealing with a crisis including supply chain issues, closures, and layoffs, it's easy to forget what documentation will be needed to help your business recover once the emergency is over. Federal legislation...

When business resumes, what you need to know about COVID-19 risk, liability

Although social distancing is clearly working to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, everyone is anxious to get back to normal operations as quickly as possible. If and when the curves depicting the number of new...

What our legislators are considering now in Annapolis

Here are a few of the labor and employment bills being considered during this legislative session that may be of interest to Maryland employers. Labor and employment bills this legislative session House Bill (HB) 0014...

What MD employers need to know about unemployment insurance and COVID-19

With all of the dramatic employment changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic—including layoffs, business shutdowns, and mandatory work-from-home options—many Maryland employers and employees have questions about their pay...

Wearables at work: balancing function with privacy, other concerns

It takes more than a time clock to figure out when employees are productive and safely on the job. What if a warehouse worker tasked with lifting heavy loads is sore from last week's workout session at the gym and...

Wash your hands: how to balance Massachusetts earned sick time and the FFCRA

With the COVID-19 outbreak, there are many strange new considerations: stay-at-home advisories, social distancing, and the closure of nonessential businesses' physical workplaces. In working to manage the rocky path for...

WA Legislature has small but significant impact on employers during 2020 session

The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry. Washington State's 60-day legislative session ended on Thursday, March 12, after the rapid spread of COVID-19 drastically changed the outcome. The Washington Legislature...

Virginia becomes first southern state to ban hair discrimination

Virginia became the first southern state to ban not only LQBT discrimination but also hair discrimination across the Commonwealth during the 2020 legislative session, joining California, New York, and New Jersey in doing...

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Employment Law Letter

Connecticut Editors