As the COVID-19 crisis continues, numerous jurisdictions across the country, including Los Angeles, have issued new guidelines for employers and the general public concerning the use of face masks or other face coverings while outside the home.
On April 7, 2020, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors adopted an emergency ordinance (the "PHELO") that requires private employers with 500 or more employees to provide paid public health emergency leave during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
On April 7, 2020, the D.C. Council unanimously passed its second emergency COVID-19 relief bill, the COVID-19 Response Supplemental Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 (Emergency Act), addressing a variety of programs and protections for residents.
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the governments of a number of jurisdictions in Canada have amended their employment standards legislation to entitle employees to emergency unpaid job-protected leave.
On Sunday April 5, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued Unemployment Insurance Program Letter (UIPL) 16-20 to provide further guidance on Section 2102 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020.
Employers frequently ask whether they may amend their existing pension plan schemes unilaterally. In the Netherlands, employees have to agree to pension plan amendments, separately from the works council.
In its latest response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pennsylvania has ordered mandatory cleaning protocols for large buildings throughout the Commonwealth.
On April 3, 2020, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a comprehensive budget bill that, among other things, amends the New York Labor Law to require all New York employers to provide paid or unpaid sick leave to their employees.