The Biden Department of Labor (DOL) has adopted a new approach to wage and hour enforcement. What can employers expect?

Employers and the New Administration is a special podcast series from Employment Law This Week®, with analysis on the first 100 days of the Biden administration.

We invite you to view Employment Law This Week® – learn about significant developments in employment and labor law and workforce management in a matter of minutes every #WorkforceWednesday.

Watch the series and subscribe for email notifications: EmploymentLawThisWeek.com.

You can also subscribe and listen to extended editions of this podcast series on your preferred platform – Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, Stitcher.

These materials have been provided for informational purposes only and are not intended and should not be construed to constitute legal advice. The content of these materials is copyrighted to Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. EMPLOYMENT LAW THIS WEEK® is a registered trademark of Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING.

Welcome to #WorkforceWednesday. This week, we look at updated safety and mask guidance and the top workplace regulations the Biden administration has rolled back.

OSHA Updates COVID-19 Guidance

In response to President Biden's executive order, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released revised guidance for employers. The new guidance includes recommendations that employers provide vaccines to eligible employees, implement COVID-19 prevention programs, and provide face coverings to all employees, whether they have been vaccinated or not. Here’s more - workforcebulletin.com/2021/02/04/osha-issues-revised-covid-19-guidance-not-mandatoryyet/.

CDC Issues New Mask Guidance

Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued revised mask-wearing guidance that emphasizes important mask practices for slowing the spread of COVID-19, including proper fit and masks with layers or double masks. It is not yet clear if OSHA will also adopt the new CDC mask guidance. Read more - healthemploymentandlabor.com/2021/02/16/make-sure-its-a-good-fit-the-cdc-issues-revised-covid-19-mask-guidance/.

Biden Administration Rolls Back Workplace Regulations

In month one, the Biden administration is rolling back Trump-era policies at a steady pace, and many of those changes directly impact the workplace. The rollbacks have affected areas like the voluntary wage and hour compliance program, several Fair Labor Standards Act opinion letters, and pro-business guidance from the National Labor Relations Board.

Other Highlights

Considering Making Remote Work Permanent?

Companies considering turning 2020’s remote work experiment into an actual long-term business plan should look at these 12 things - hrdive.com/news/12-ways-to-make-telework-work-for-the-long-haul/594971/.

COVID-19 Compliance Requirements – What Employers Need to Know

Compliance with the many COVID-19 workplace requirements remains top of mind for employers. Hear about the latest strategies for remaining compliant as vaccines become more available to employers and their employees - ebglaw.com/news/susan-gross-sholinsky-featured-in-podcast-covid-19-compliance-requirements-what-employers-need-to-know/.

WORKFORCE (re)imagined.TM

Employers are strategically preparing for business beyond the pandemic. Stay up to date as you reimagine your workforce - ebglaw.com/return-to-work/.

We invite you to view Employment Law This Week® – learn about the top developments in employment and labor law and workforce management in a matter of minutes every #WorkforceWednesday.

Watch the series and subscribe for email notifications: EmploymentLawThisWeek.com.

These materials have been provided for informational purposes only and are not intended and should not be construed to constitute legal advice. The content of these materials is copyrighted to Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. EMPLOYMENT LAW THIS WEEK® is a registered trademark of Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING.

It’s official: Marty Walsh is set to become the new Secretary of Labor under President Biden. Walsh is coming off two terms as mayor of Boston and made his mark before that as a popular labor leader and community activist. His leadership could indicate a major shift at the U.S. Department of Labor. We take a closer look at Marty Walsh and what his appointment could mean for employers.

Employers and the New Administration is a special podcast series from Employment Law This Week®, with analysis on the first 100 days of the Biden administration. Our first episode features Epstein Becker Green attorneys David Garland and Greg Keating.

We invite you to view Employment Law This Week® – learn about significant developments in employment and labor law and workforce management in a matter of minutes every #WorkforceWednesday.

Watch the series and subscribe for email notifications: EmploymentLawThisWeek.com.

You can also subscribe and listen to extended editions of this podcast series on your preferred platform – Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, Stitcher.

These materials have been provided for informational purposes only and are not intended and should not be construed to constitute legal advice. The content of these materials is copyrighted to Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. EMPLOYMENT LAW THIS WEEK® is a registered trademark of Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING.

This week, we look at leadership changes and new religious guidance from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Biden EEOC Takes Shape

The Biden EEOC is taking shape, with Democratic Commissioner Charlotte Burrows stepping in as the new EEOC Chair. Commissioner Jocelyn Samuels, also a Democrat, will serve as the new Vice Chair.

EEOC Revises Religious Guidance

Meanwhile, the EEOC’s Republican majority pushed ahead with revised religious guidance, updated to reflect several U.S. Supreme Court decisions. The guidance addresses reasonable accommodations for employees with sincerely held religious beliefs and includes an analysis of what constitutes an undue hardship for an employer.

President Biden Repeals Diversity Training Ban

In one of his Day One Executive Actions, President Biden rescinded former President Trump's anti-bias training ban. Federal contractors have 60 days to adjust their training programs. Click for more - workforcebulletin.com/2021/02/03/president-biden-revokes-trump-administrations-workplace-diversity-training-restrictions/

Other Highlights

$15 Minimum Wage for Federal Employees

In other news for federal contractors, President Biden instructed the Office of Personnel Management to make recommendations to promote a $15/hour minimum wage among federal employees, including contractors. Read more - wagehourblog.com/2021/01/articles/wage-and-hour-policies/biden-administration-proposes-raising-minimum-wage-for-federal-employees-and-contractors/

“Just Cause” Employee Termination Laws Gain Traction in Certain Sectors

New York City and Los Angeles have now enacted laws that have created “just cause” requirements for employers in certain industries. Attorney David Prager speaks with Bloomberg about LA’s “right of recall” ordinance, which has imposed de facto “just cause” requirements for employers in industries like travel and events that have laid off workers amid the pandemic. Learn more - news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-report/nyc-fast-food-worker-law-shines-light-on-just-cause-policies

WORKFORCE (re)imagined.TM

Employers are strategically preparing for business beyond the pandemic. Stay up to date as you reimagine your workforce - ebglaw.com/return-to-work/.

We invite you to view Employment Law This Week® – learn about the top developments in employment and labor law and workforce management in a matter of minutes every #WorkforceWednesday.

Watch the series and subscribe for email notifications: EmploymentLawThisWeek.com.

These materials have been provided for informational purposes only and are not intended and should not be construed to constitute legal advice. The content of these materials is copyrighted to Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. EMPLOYMENT LAW THIS WEEK® is a registered trademark of Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING.

A Trending News interview from Employment Law This Week®, featuring attorney Frank Morris, Member of the Firm:

As the COVID-19 vaccine becomes more available, employers are considering options to help ensure that their employees get vaccinated. Here is a look at the benefits and restrictions of incentive programs.

We invite you to view Employment Law This Week® – learn about significant developments in employment and labor law and workforce management in a matter of minutes every #WorkforceWednesday.

Watch the series and subscribe for email notifications: EmploymentLawThisWeek.com.

These materials have been provided for informational purposes only and are not intended and should not be construed to constitute legal advice. The content of these materials is copyrighted to Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. EMPLOYMENT LAW THIS WEEK® is a registered trademark of Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING.