On December 4, 2020, the New Jersey Department of Health updated its restriction guidelines on self-quarantining after out-of-state travel. This guidance was published on New Jersey’s COVID-19 information hub on December 7, 2020. The updated guidance follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recently updated recommendations on self-quarantining periods. » Read More
At 6:00 a.m. on November 5, 2020, Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 192 (“E.O. 192”) takes effect. E.O. 192 imposes mandatory health and safety protocols to help guard against the continuing spread of COVID-19. These mandates apply to all employers who require or permit any employee to be physically present at a worksite. » Read More
In a unanimous decision issued on September 11, 2020, the New Jersey Supreme Court held in Flanzman v. Jenny Craig, Inc., that an arbitration agreement does not need to designate an arbitral forum (such as AAA or JAMS) or describe the “process for selecting an arbitration mechanism or setting” to be enforceable. » Read More
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) continues to be very active in providing information to the public. Last week, the DOL issued new optional forms that employers can use for the administration of leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). » Read More
On June 15, 2020, the United States Supreme Court, by a vote of 6 – 3, ruled that federal law prohibits employers from terminating employees because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. » Read More
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency responsible for enforcing federal anti-discrimination laws, today updated its Technical Assistance Questions and Answers, “What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws.” » Read More
Many employers have found themselves in the following situation. First, they were required to furlough or layoff employees due to COVID-19. Second, the employers were fortunate enough to obtain a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which in turn allowed the employers to offer jobs back to their laid-off employees. » Read More
The COVID-19 pandemic has expanded the eligibility of American employees for employment-related benefits, including medical leave and unemployment compensation. As the Norris McLaughlin employment law blog, Norris in the Workplace, first reported, President Donald Trump, on March 18, 2020, signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), “which provides paid leave under the Family Medical Leave Act and paid sick leave for absences resulting from COVID-19.” » Read More