Medical marijuana is allowed in Pennsylvania, and recreational use of cannabis is legal in nearby New Jersey. However, the federal government still defines cannabis as a Schedule 1 substance with "no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse." What does that mean for Pennsylvania employers? The rules can be confusing, especially since more of your current and prospective … [Read more...] about Cannabis Laws and What They Mean For Pennsylvania Employers
Employment News
Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Sparks Nationwide Employment Concerns
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, changes in state laws will impact health care plans and other employment policies across the country. On June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Mississippi’s restrictions on abortion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, effectively overturning Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. … [Read more...] about Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Sparks Nationwide Employment Concerns
Proposed Tipping Regulation is Approved, Will Also Redefine Who is A Tipped Employee
Last fall, Governor Tom Wolf’s administration proposed a regulation that would require tipped employees to earn at least $135 a month in tips before their employer is permitted to pay the $2.83 per hour tipped rate, rather than state’s minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. At present, Pennsylvania employers can pay tipped employees less than the state minimum wage if they make at least $30 a month in … [Read more...] about Proposed Tipping Regulation is Approved, Will Also Redefine Who is A Tipped Employee
OSHA Issues Emergency Temporary Standards for Mandatory Employee COVID Vaccinations
The United States Department of Labor, Occupational Health and Safety Administration (“OSHA”) released an Emergency Temporary Standard (“ETS”) today that will be published on November 5, 2021. The ETS will take effect immediately upon publication. It will remain effective until OSHA promulgates a permanent standard, which must occur within six months of the ETS’s publication in the Federal … [Read more...] about OSHA Issues Emergency Temporary Standards for Mandatory Employee COVID Vaccinations
Federal Judge Rules That Employer Can Require Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccinations
A federal judge in the Southern District of Texas recently upheld an employer’s requirement that its employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 or be terminated from employment. In Bridges v. Houston Methodist Hospital, Jennifer Bridges and 116 other employees of Houston Methodist argued that the Hospital was unlawfully forcing its employees to be injected or be fired. The employees first argued … [Read more...] about Federal Judge Rules That Employer Can Require Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccinations
Eastern District of Pennsylvania to Decide Whether DOMA Applies to Private Sector
In a matter of first impression, a pending case before the Eastern District of Pennsylvania will determine the application of the Defense of Marriage Act (“DOMA”) to a private profit-sharing plan governed by ERISA. What will this mean for employers and their benefits plans? Regardless of the Court’s decision, this case emphasizes the need for clear communication between employers and employee plan … [Read more...] about Eastern District of Pennsylvania to Decide Whether DOMA Applies to Private Sector
