Coronavirus in the Workplace: Steps Employers Should Consider Taking Now

Coronavirus in the Workplace: Steps Employers Should Consider Taking Now

As of March 4th, 2020, the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) first detected in China has now been detected in almost 70 locations internationally, including the United States. Many of these locations have subsequently reported community spread of the illness by person-to-person contact, as opposed to earlier infections involving animal-to-person spread. While the severity of the illness remains unclear, current data indicates that nearly 3000 have died worldwide, while in the United States, 9 deaths have been confirmed.

Can Employers Prohibit Employees from Discussing Pay?

Can Employers Prohibit Employees from Discussing Pay?

As an employment lawyer, I often see provisions in employee handbooks that say something along the lines of: “Discussing pay and other confidential terms of employment with your co-workers is prohibited.” This type of clause — or anything that prohibits your employees from discussing the terms and conditions of their employment — is prohibited under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).

Austin Becomes First City in Texas to Require Paid Sick Leave

Austin Becomes First City in Texas to Require Paid Sick Leave

On February 16, 2018, the Austin City Council passed a long-anticipated ordinance that requires private companies with employees in Austin to provide paid sick leave. The ordinance goes into effect on October 1, 2018 for all employers with six or more employees within the City and on October 1, 2020 for all employers with five or fewer employees. The law only applies to W-2 employees and does not apply to Independent Contractors.