The United States House of Representatives announced a new era for congressional influence over how the federal government spends some of the $1.4 trillion in discretionary spending approved every year. As of today, the Senate has not yet announced its plan but both chambers are in negotiations to implement this in a transparent and responsible
Hold on to Your Hats! What to Expect Under President Biden’s Administration in Labor and Employment Law
Change in the political party of an administration can be expected to impact the development and interpretation of federal law and regulation. This is particularly true in the transition between former President Trump’s administration and that of President Joseph R. Biden.
President Biden has only been the President for two weeks, yet he has already
Did You Know There Is a New Independent Contractor Ordinance in the City of Minneapolis Effective January 1?
The City of Minneapolis determined that many freelance workers (independent contractors) need legal and economic protections since they are not covered by employment laws. The City, therefore, enacted the Minneapolis Freelance Worker Protections Ordinance (the “Ordinance”). This Ordinance, effective January 1, 2021, requires companies to enter into written agreements with most freelance workers.
The Ordinance
Conflicting Messages: An Executive Order vs. Affirmative Action
The EEOC has encouraged employers to voluntarily modify employment practices and systems which create barriers to equal employment opportunity, without waiting for litigation or formal government action. The EEOC has said that the principle of nondiscrimination in employment because of race, color, religion, sex or national origin and the principle that each employer should take
Diversity Training Now a Construction Conundrum
The construction world is changing rapidly like everything else. Tech is making its way ever deeper into the construction industry. The shortage of labor has become chronic since the Great Recession. Covid-19 has only made that problem worse. At the same time, the pool of potential new hires is inexorably growing more diverse.
Diversity is
Who’s Paying the Price for Gov. Walz’s Eviction Moratorium?
We are nearly 9 months into the so-called COVID-19 global pandemic. While not without historical precedent, COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on the physical and economic health of millions both within the United States and around the world. In Minnesota and across the country, governors and their public health departments have exercised “peacetime” emergency powers designed
New Developments in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Employers in real estate and construction with fewer than 500 employees are required to provide leave to employees who are unable to work because of the pandemic under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a Final Rule effective April 6, 2020 expanding on the requirements of the
Still No Deal after Second Special Session; Legislature Looks Towards August Primary
This week Margaret Vesel and Matthew Bergeron recap the Minnesota legislature‘s second special session and the ongoing negotiations over a capital investment bill, a tax bill, and a supplemental appropriations package. They also turn their attention towards the August 11 primary election and discuss a number of key races to watch.
Our Team
The
The
A Summer of Special Sessions: Is July’s Special Session the Last Chance for a Deal on Bonding, COVID-19 Relief & Police Reform?
Margaret Vesel and Matthew Bergeron recap the Minnesota Legislature’s week-long June special session and preview the special session beginning on July 13, 2020. They discuss the ongoing negotiations over law enforcement reform, capital investment, and bonding and examine how the seemingly unrelated issues are interconnected when it comes to finding a “comprehensive deal”.
Preparedness Plan Requirements Guidance for Construction Revised with Little Real Change
This post is co-written by Phyllis Karasov and Mike Schechter.
On Wednesday, June 24, we wrote an article on the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s guidance that requires a preparedness plan for the construction industry. The guidance was confusing and placed onerous responsibilities on contractors, owners and public entities, including ensuring that plans among