Employees

Coronavirus pandemic prompts wave of ‘business interruption’ lawsuits by restaurants

Restaurants may often invest in substantial insurance coverage for their businesses, including purchasing “business interruption” coverage in case something beyond their control forces a shutdown of their operations. In mid-March, such an event happened: the coronavirus pandemic.

May 26, 2020 9:09 AM CDT

Washington bar’s board mishandled employee’s sexual harassment complaint, report finds

The Washington State Bar Association’s board of governors created a hostile work environment for staff by mishandling an employee’s sexual harassment allegations lodged against a board member, according to an outside investigator’s scathing report that recently became public.

May 21, 2020 9:23 AM CDT

Law firm told to reduce on-site employees sues for alleged ‘disturbing and gross abuse’ of power

A law firm that continued limited operation during the COVID-19 pandemic sued New York’s governor and attorney general this week after receiving a cease-and-desist letter telling it to reduce on-site employees.

May 15, 2020 1:37 PM CDT

Why exotic dancers and other gig workers are seeing employment law gains, COVID-19 losses

“The coronavirus is exposing the dangers of being a gig worker—you have no benefits, no health care, and no one to one to speak for you,” says lawyer Michael P. Maslanka, a labor and employment law expert in Texas. “I think this crisis is so severe that it will change the mindsets of the people, and when the mindsets of the people change, laws change.”

May 12, 2020 8:00 AM CDT

What happens to gig workers when a California Assembly bill meets the coronavirus?

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a spotlight on the underbelly of the United States economy. With many Americans following orders to stay at home, gig workers have moved into the forefront of the marketplace. Delivery workers, truck drivers and other independent contractors are still going out into the world to work and to keep the world working.

May 7, 2020 8:00 AM CDT

Many law firms that applied for paycheck protection loans are still waiting; Texas lawyer sues

Many smaller law firms applied for loans under the federal Paycheck Protection Program, and many are still waiting.

Apr 29, 2020 12:45 PM CDT

McConnell says COVID-19 aid bill must include liability shield for businesses and hospitals

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday that a federal aid bill for state and local governments should make the money contingent on states providing liability protection to businesses and hospitals providing services amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Apr 29, 2020 10:26 AM CDT

13 more partners leave Boies Schiller; what BigLaw firm are they joining?

Thirteen partners at Boies Schiller Flexner in California are joining King & Spalding, to be followed by two more who will make the leap later.

Apr 24, 2020 1:02 PM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Congress asked for COVID-19 lawsuit curbs; law school cuts pay for staff and faculty

Lobbyists seek COVID-19 lawsuit curbs Lobbying groups for U.S. businesses are asking Congress to curb liability for companies that could face lawsuits in connection with COVID-19. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is suggesting safe harbor from privacy laws for employers who inquire about health status, safe harbor from age and…

Apr 21, 2020 4:09 PM CDT

Wrongful death suit alleges Walmart failed to protect employee who died from COVID-19

The family of a suburban Chicago Walmart employee who died from COVID-19 filed a wrongful death lawsuit Monday alleging that the store failed to take steps to protect its workers.

Apr 7, 2020 11:35 AM CDT

As exposed health care workers seek legal remedies, who’s liable for lack of personal protective equipment?

Doctors and nurses across the country are asking about legal remedies they may have because of exposure to COVID-19 and a lack of personal protective equipment, or PPE. Invariably, their main concern is the dangers to which they’re being exposed.

Apr 2, 2020 11:35 AM CDT

US agencies have to stop transferring, promoting alleged sexual harassers, report says

Majority members of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights are recommending that the federal government take more steps to curb sexual harassment in its own workplace.

Apr 1, 2020 2:33 PM CDT

How to plan ahead for compliance and privacy projections

As general counsel at Checkr, one of the most interesting challenges I face is staying on top of the ever-changing laws and regulations in the background check industry and communicating these changes back to our customers. I regularly meet with regulators and government entities, and I advise general and senior…

Mar 5, 2020 1:30 PM CST

Indiana AG may face license suspension, despite dismissal of sexual misconduct suit

A federal judge dismissed Monday a lawsuit brought against Indiana’s attorney general by four women who accused him of groping them at a 2018 party. The judge said the allegations against Curtis Hill are “disgraceful” but don’t violate any federal laws.

Mar 3, 2020 1:32 PM CST

Employers can’t use salary history to justify lower pay for women, full 9th Circuit rules

The Equal Pay Act does not permit paying lower salaries to women based on their pay histories, according to the en banc 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals at San Francisco. Salary history is not a “factor other than sex” that can justify unequal pay for comparable jobs, the appeals…

Feb 28, 2020 10:40 AM CST