As featured in #WorkforceWednesday: This week, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) vaccine emergency temporary standard (ETS) is currently in the hands of the Sixth Circuit, while New York employers have several updates to look out for in 2022.
Sixth Circuit Prepares to Review OSHA Vaccine ETS
Last week, the Sixth Circuit was selected by lottery to hear the consolidated legal challenge to the Biden administration’s OSHA “vaccine or test” mandate for large employers. Prior to the lottery, OSHA was enjoined by the Fifth Circuit from enforcing the mandate. While OSHA has announced that it is suspending enforcement for the time being, the deadlines for compliance, December 5 and January 4, remain in effect.
Federal Agencies Join Forces Against Retaliation
Federal agencies—the Department of Labor, the National Labor Relations Board, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission—are launching a joint initiative to investigate unlawful conduct by employers and raise awareness around workplace retaliation.
New York Increases Protections for Employees
Starting January 26, 2022, New York will expand whistleblowing protections for employers beyond health care fraud and public health and safety concerns, in order to combat retaliation. Read more about the amendment here.
Also, effective May 2022, New York employers will need to notify employees with written notice when monitoring their phone calls, emails, or internet use. As employers update their handbooks and policies, these new requirements should be implemented.
See below for the video and podcast links. For Other Highlights and more news, visit https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw235.
Video: YouTube, Vimeo.
Podcast: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, Stitcher.