BLOGS

The Department of Labor recently published new model notices and forms for employers to use when administering leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). While the changes to these documents aren’t groundbreaking, there are a few things worth noting for your reference. Eligibility The Eligibility Notice (form WH-381) is used to inform employees of their eligibility for FMLA leave, or provide at least one reason as to why the employee is not eligible for such leave. The changes to the document are minor but do provide some clarity ...

As you may already know, Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D. issued an Emergency Travel Order for people going in an out of the City of Chicago. The order was issued on July 2, 2020 and is effective from July 6, 2020 until further notice by the Commissioner. There are several issues that are particularly important for employers to be aware of now that this order has been passed, including when to give out paid sick leave and whether you can ban employees from traveling to certain areas. Basics of the Order Th...

The Supreme Court released several opinions today, one of the most important for employers being Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia. The Bostock opinion holds that it is a violation of Title VII for an employer to fire an individual “merely for being gay or transgender.” Details of the Case The Court came to its decision with a 6-3 vote, with the majority opinion written by Justice Gorsuch, joined by Justices Roberts, Ginsburg, Breyer, Sotomayor, and Kagan. Bostock is a consolidated case that resolves the matters in Altitude Express, Inc....

Now that Governor Pritzker has decided to move Illinois into Phase 3 of reopening, a number of employers have decided to open up shop again. However, the executive order that lays out the rules for Phase 3 still encourages all businesses to facilitate working from home when possible.  So, what are the best practices for a work-from-home environment, and what responsibilities do employers have to pay for employees’ resources at home? Online Security One of the biggest concerns for any business, whether employees are working from home or not...

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a new enforcement memo that went into effect May 26, 2020. Generally speaking, employers have certain obligations to make reports to OSHA regarding workplace injuries. Due to the pandemic, OSHA has been addressing employer concerns regarding when and how to record occupational illnesses contracted in the workplace. This new enforcement memo revises OSHA’s previous guidance, and these new guidelines should be used going forward until further notice from OSHA. Standard Rule Und...