Essential Workers

The Biden Administration’s action plan to overcome the pandemic saw major setbacks this week as courts around the country halted the administration’s mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policies for federal contractors and subcontractors and health care workers.

Specifically, on September 24, 2021 the Biden Administration issued guidance to supplement a previously issued Executive Order, in effect requiring employees of covered contractors (including prime contractors or subcontractors) to be fully vaccinated by December 8, 2021.… Continue Reading

A three-judge panel for the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit affirmed the lower court’s order denying plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction against Maine’s Covid-19 vaccine mandate requiring healthcare workers to be vaccinated. Plaintiffs in the case had argued that exceptions to the mandate must be permitted for religious objections.… Continue Reading

Effective September 7, 2021, staff in New Jersey’s public and private health care facilities and congregate settings deemed “high risk” must receive the COVID-19 vaccine or, alternatively, be subject to COVID-19 testing one to two times per week.  A list of the type of impacted facilities is available here.

By September 7, health care facilities with unvaccinated employees must have a plan for regular testing. … Continue Reading

The United States Department of Labor (DOL) Wage and Hour Division just launched a new initiative called “Essential Workers, Essential Protections” that provides workers with information about the wage and hour laws that apply to them, including instructions on how to contact the DOL with questions or complaints.

In conjunction with this new initiative, the DOL released a set of FAQs regarding pay, hours worked, and job-protected leave during the pandemic.… Continue Reading