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Employment, Labor and Benefits

Union organizing is down as compared to previous years, but that does not mean employers should believe that support for labor unions has decreased.  NLRB records indicate that the number of representation petitions filed in 2020 is dramatically down from each of the previous four years.  This reduction in representation petitions can be attributed to

When COVID-19 began its pernicious spread, causing Americans to lock down and employers to close or curtail their workplaces, lawyers were busy advising clients on required leaves of absence, the eligibility of laid-off employees for unemployment compensation and other paid benefits, as well as other legal issues associated with closing a business or sending a

We are all waiting for a COVID-19 vaccine. When we have a vaccine, can an employer require that applicants and employees be vaccinated against COVID-19? Employers have a legitimate desire to keep their workplaces safe and to protect their employees from contracting COVID-19 in the workplace. Phyllis Karasov and Dan Ballintine discuss the practical and legal issues associated with an employer mandatory vaccination program.
Continue Reading To Require Vaccines or Not: That is the Question

Dan Ballintine and Phyllis Karasov discuss the matters employers need to consider when re-opening businesses after the Covid-19 shutdowns. Recalling only some employees, screening employees before they enter the workplace and dealing with employees who refuse to return to work are among the issues discussed.
Continue Reading Re-Opening A Business the Right Way: Tips to Avoid Pitfalls

The Minnesota Legislature passed sweeping new amendments to statutes which create criminal penalties for the failure to pay wages and impose requirements for employers (including contractors) to document the terms of employment with their employees.  The new amendments took effect July 1, 2019.  Then, on August 8, Minneapolis passed an ordinance, essentially piggybacking on the