The country begins the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic with optimism because of three Emergency Use Authorization vaccines and President Joe Biden’s direction that all states make all adults eligible for vaccination by May 1, 2021. As more workers return to work in person, there are key considerations for employers in the coming months.
Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana User May Proceed With Disability Discrimination And Retaliation Claims
A federal court in Pennsylvania held that a medical marijuana user’s claims for disability discrimination and retaliation were sufficiently alleged to survive the employer’s motion to dismiss. Hudnell v. Jefferson University Hospitals, Inc., Civil Action No. 20-01621 (E.D. Pa. Jan. 7, 2021). Read more about this decision and considerations for employers here.
DOL Field Assistance Bulletins Clarify Telehealth and Telework Impact on FMLA Obligations
On December 29, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) issued two field assistance bulletins (“FABs”) aimed at clarifying obligations under the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) in light of the prevalence of telework and telehealth.
The first FAB (No. 2020-07), Electronic posting for purposes of the FLSA, FMLA, Section 14(c) of the FLSA
EEOC Issues Guidance on Opioid Addiction in Employment
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued two technical assistance documents on August 5, 2020, addressing accommodation issues under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for employees who use opioid medications or may be addicted to opioids. They provide employers insight into how the EEOC envisions information exchange and accommodation efforts. Read more.
DOL Publishes New FMLA Forms, Signals More to Come with Expansive Request for Information on FMLA
On July 16, 2020 the Department of Labor (“DOL”) unveiled its new FMLA forms. As we previously reported, the DOL announced its plan to revamp the forms in August 2019. However, the DOL made further revisions to the August 2019 drafts based on public comments. The new forms can be used to comply with
Do The DOL’s FMLA Forms Work For You? Now is Your Chance to Speak Up
On August 5, 2019, the Department of Labor (“DOL”) published proposed revisions to the Wage and Hour Division’s Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) forms with the stated goal “to increase compliance with the FMLA, improve customer service, and reduce the burden on the public by making the forms easier to understand and use.”
Many
Broad Workers’ Compensation Release Agreement Bars Disability Discrimination Claims
The District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana dismissed an employee’s disability discrimination claims based on a broad release in her workers’ compensation settlement agreement with the employer. Peddy v. Aaron’s, Inc. Case No. 02:18-cv-1625 (E.D. La. Feb. 21, 2019). The Court also ruled in favor of the employer on its counterclaim for
Can We Fix It? Eighth Circuit Answers: Yes, We Can!
ADA Title III claims have become a trap for many unsuspecting businesses. The claims often lead to protracted litigation driven by attorney fees rather than the underlying issue.
A recent decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit offers a potential “fix” for employers. In Davis v. Anthony, Inc. Case No. 16-4051
Oklahoma Case Serves as Reminder that Pregnancy Alone, Without More, Is Not an ADA Disability
A former employee’s claim that she was pregnant and subject to lifting restrictions failed to allege a valid claim under the Americas with Disabilities Act (ADA), according to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma. LaCount v. South Lewis SH OPCO, LLC, Case No. 16-CV-0545-CVE-TLW (N.D. Okla. May 5, 2017).
When
Seven States Pass New Marijuana Laws on Election Day
Election Day 2016 saw voters approve new marijuana laws in seven states. There are now a total of 28 states (plus the District of Columbia) with medical marijuana laws and 8 states (plus the District of Columbia) with recreational marijuana laws. Arizona’s proposed recreational marijuana law did not pass. Read the full article on Jackson