North Carolina Case Sheds Light on Extended Benefits

?The North Carolina Full Commission, a quasi-judicial panel, recently issued a decision in Messick v. Walmart Stores, awarding the claimant extended benefits. Previously, the issue of extended benefits was not an issue... Read more »

California Provides Protections for Workers Who Use Marijuana Outside Work

?On Sept. 18, California Gov. Newsom signed a law that will prohibit employers from penalizing workers for using marijuana outside of work. The law, effective Jan. 1, 2024, prohibits discrimination in hiring,... Read more »

Honda Seeks Reimbursement from Employees of Overpaid Bonuses

A Honda factory in Ohio and a health system in Oregon recently faced the same dilemma, one that other employers have dealt with: how to handle overpayments to some of their employees.... Read more »

New York State to Follow CDC Guidance on COVID-19 Quarantines

?On Sept. 14, the New York State Department of Health updated its COVID-19 quarantine and isolation webpage to remove earlier written COVID-19 guidance and tables dated May 31. The webpage now states... Read more »

Dress Codes Evolve Following Pandemic

?As more employees return to worksites, some employers are rethinking their dress codes. That doesn’t mean giving up dress codes entirely, but handling violations can be tricky. “COVID changed the workplace and... Read more »

New York City Removes Vaccine Requirement for Private Employers

?New York City will no longer require private employers to direct workers to be vaccinated for COVID-19, Mayor Eric Adams announced Sept. 20. “Businesses up until this point have had mixed approaches... Read more »

Mississippi Legislative Updates for Employers to Consider

?In the latest Mississippi legislative session, several new laws have been signed and/or voted into effect that will likely impact employers throughout the state. The changing employment laws have recent developments that... Read more »

California Law Will Protect Employees’ Use of Marijuana Outside Work

Editor’s Note: Gov. Gavin Newsom signed this bill into law yesterday.  ?The California Legislature recently passed a bill prohibiting employers from penalizing workers for using marijuana during their off-work hours.  Recreational use... Read more »

FTC Increases Its Oversight of the Gig Workforce

?The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced on Sept. 15 that it has adopted enforcement priorities to fight on behalf of gig workers against deception about pay and hours, unfair contract terms, and... Read more »

Worker Can Challenge Employment Decision Based on Panel Member’s Alleged Bias

?Takeaway: Employers should avoid having a supervisor accused of harassment participate in a decision-making panel. Otherwise, a court could find that the panel’s decision was the result of the supervisor’s discriminatory animus.... Read more »