Labor & Employment E-Note October 2021
Resources
FAR Council Issues Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols For Federal Contractors Clause
The Federal Acquisition Regulatory ("FAR") Council has published a new clause ("COVID Clause"), and has asked contracting agencies to develop deviations allowing use of the new COVID Clause.
Read the article, written by Mike Rich, and Amy Jordan Wilkes.
Melissa Azallion Kenny Discusses Termination In LOCAL Biz
Melissa Azallion Kenny discusses termination in a LOCAL Biz article. Read the full article for policies and practices surrounding letting employees go legally.
Burr Attorneys Present At 67th Annual HRM Conference
The University of Alabama's College of Continuing Studies held its 67th Annual Human Resources Management ("HRM") Conference this week for human resources professionals. On Wednesday, October 20, 2021, Burr & Forman partner Matt Scully presented on the topic, "Navigating the Remote Work Legal Landscape: Do's and Don'ts". Burr's Bryance Metheny was the keynote speaker for the conference's day two program. He presented a "Legal Update" about the developments in labor and employment law over the past year.
October 22 Webinar: Is Your COVID-19 Policy OSHA Compliant?
There's still time to register for our webinar "Is Your COVID-19 Policy OSHA Compliant?" on Friday, October 22. Register and submit your questions here.
COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance For Federal Contractors
On September 24, 2021, the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force released guidance detailing COVID-19 vaccination and other pandemic-related workplace safety requirements for federal contractors in accordance with the Executive Order issued by President Biden on September 9, 2021.
Read the article, written by Amy Jordan Wilkes and Mike Rich.
Marcel Debruge Quoted in Wall Street Journal Article on Organized Labor
As union leaders push for more membership and improvements for their workforces in light of labor shortages affecting several industries, Marcel Debruge provided perspective on the issue in an article published in The Wall Street Journal (WSJ). Debruge, who represents management in all aspects of labor & employment law, said "I don't believe a new day has dawned in organized labor."
WSJ subscribers may access the full article online here.
Firm News
Burr & Forman Earns High Rankings In Benchmark Litigation
Thirteen Burr & Forman partners were recently recognized in the 2021 edition of Benchmark Litigation, a guide to the world's leading litigation firms and lawyers. Those individuals recognized are highly regarded by their peers and possess a strong case record and positive client feedback.
The attorneys recognized as Labor and Employment Stars include:
- John J. Coleman, III, Birmingham, Alabama
- Marcel L. Debruge, Birmingham, Alabama
- Henrietta U. Golding, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Benchmark Litigation also recommended Burr & Forman in Dispute Resolution, and highly recommended the firm in Labor and Employment. These recommendations are determined by conducting peer reviews and case examinations. For the full list of partners and practices recognized, click here.
Headlines
Upcoming OSHA Vaccine Rule Likely to Face Court Challenges (Source: Bloomberg Law, 2021-10-18)
Employers with COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates Share Insights (Source: BenefitsPro, 2021-10-18)
OSHA, Biden Initiative to Protect Workers from Heat Illness (Source: CBIA, 2021-10-12)
Labor Initiative Helps Trades Workers Combat Substance Abuse (Source: HR Dive, 2021-10-07)
Survey Finds Employers Expect 5% Increase in 2022 Health Costs (Source: Insurance Journal, 2021-10-14)