Seyfarth Synopsis: On August 5, 2021, California’s Public Health Department ordered “health care” workers to provide proof that they received their final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by September 30, 2021. Unlike the July 26, 2021, Order, the August 5 Order does not allow workers to avoid the vaccine mandate by testing regularly, except for workers who claim a religious or medical exemption. There’s No Earthly Way of Knowing Which Direction They Are Going On…

Seyfarth Synopsis: On July 26, 2021, Governor Newsom, announced that California state workers and workers in “health care” and “high-risk congregate settings” will be mandated to either show proof of being fully vaccinated, or be tested for COVID-19 at least weekly. The mandate also encourages all local governments and other employers to adopt a similar protocol. The California Department of Public Health posted the details of the Order on July 27, 2021. On July 26,…

Seyfarth Synopsis: Several California counties currently have mask “recommendations” that are stricter than the state’s guidance, recommending all people wear masks in indoor settings. As of 11:59 p.m. on July 17, 2021, Los Angeles will go a step further, implementing a revised Public Health Order with a new mask mandate requiring people—regardless of vaccination status—to wear masks in public indoor settings. Spike in COVID-19 Cases Prompts New Mandatory Restrictions In Los Angeles The Los Angeles…

Seyfarth Synopsis: Summertime is here. That time of year when wildflowers cover the landscape, birds are singing, and summer love is in the air—and that air may just drift into the workplace. And while a budding relationship seems innocent enough, the thorny reality of potential harassment, quid pro quo, hostile work environment, and other claims stemming from the demise of such a relationship can, and should, be a concern for employers. We have raised Love …

We’re pleased to announce that the 2021 version of our Cal-Peculiarities: How California Employment Law is Different, your indispensable California employment law guide, is now available, coinciding with our annual update webinar series on the same subject! Click here to request your copy today! This edition, like its predecessors, aims to help private employers understand what’s peculiar about California employment law. In the 2021 Edition, we continue to highlight recent court decisions and legislative developments, and how they…

Seyfarth Synopsis: Following a rollercoaster ride that lasted for weeks, and culminated in another 4.5 hour long marathon meeting, on June 17, 2021, Cal/OSHA finally approved a revised version of its Emergency Temporary Standard (“ETS”). While the revised ETS aligns closer to guidance issued by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) and California Department of Public Health (“CDPH”) with regards to face coverings, it still includes many controversial provisions relating to documenting employee’s…

Seyfarth Synopsis: While the Buggles took creative liberties when they claimed that Video Killed The Radio Star, the House of Origin deadline axed a number of employment-related bills. California legislators began this legislative session at the apex of the pandemic, introducing a flurry of COVID-19-related bills, many of which failed to survive the June 4, 2021 deadline to pass out of the bill’s House of Origin. Most remaining bills will increase employer obligations if…