Join us for a virtual seminar in which the firm’s labor & employment and employee benefits attorneys will discuss recent COVID-19-related announcements from the CDC, FDA and other relevant agencies, and the implications they have on how employers should structure policies and procedures moving forward. In this session, we will provide guidance for navigating the ever-challenging issues facing employers, including: Mandatory Vaccinations. Mask Policies. Incentive Programs. Accommodation and Exemption Requests. WEBINAR DETAILS Title: Labor &…

The first few years of operations can be an overwhelming task for emerging companies, especially when it comes to navigating the wide range of employment laws that come with hiring new members of the team. Below is a list of issues to be aware of as you build and structure your workforce. Continue reading to learn some best practices for circumventing legal risks related to: Hiring. Employee classification. Wages. Employment contracts. Employment policies. Continue reading …

Effective July 1, 2021, Tennessee’s Constitution Carry law allows individuals over the age of 21 (or military members between ages 18 to 20) to carry a firearm, both concealed and open, with or without a carry permit.  However, this new law does not impact a private Tennessee business’ right to prohibit the possession of weapons on its property, including possession by employees; provided, the business displays the required notice outlined in T.C.A. Section 39-17-1359 and…

Please note that this blog post was updated on July 16, 2021 with information about the bill being deferred. Update: New Bathroom Requirement for Tennessee Businesses Deferred The United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee has temporarily enjoined the recently enacted legislation requiring all Tennessee public and private businesses to post a notice to the extent it has a formal or informal policy allowing a member of either biological sex to use…

To increase protections for the estimated $9.3 trillion in American retirement assets, the Department of Labor (DOL) has begun a new cybersecurity audit initiative for retirement plans. After providing its first set of guidance on cybersecurity in April, the DOL quickly began the audit initiative by issuing information and document requests to numerous 401(k) plan fiduciaries. The DOL has stated that ERISA requires plan fiduciaries to take appropriate precautions to mitigate the risks of cybercrime…

In response to President Biden’s Executive Order issued on January 21, 2021, directing the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to take action to reduce the risk that workers may contract COVID-19 in the workplace, OSHA has issued an emergency temporary standard (ETS) to set forth guidelines to protect healthcare workers. Effective June 21, 2021, the ETS applies only to settings where any employee provides healthcare services or healthcare support services.  The masking, distancing, and…