Last week, the Sixth Circuit was selected by lottery to hear the consolidated legal challenge to the Biden administration’s OSHA “vaccine or test” mandate for large employers. Prior to the lottery, OSHA was enjoined by the Fifth Circuit from enforcing the mandate. While OSHA has announced that it is suspending enforcement for the time being, the deadlines for compliance, December 5 and January 4, remain in effect.

Federal Agencies Join Forces Against Retaliation  

Federal agencies—the Department of Labor, the National Labor Relations Board, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission—are launching a joint initiative to investigate unlawful conduct by employers and raise awareness around workplace retaliation.

New York Increases Protections for Employees

Starting January 26, 2022, New York will expand whistleblowing protections for employers beyond health care fraud and public health and safety concerns, in order to combat retaliation. Read more about the amendment here.

Also, effective May 2022, New York employers will need to notify employees with written notice when monitoring their phone calls, emails, or internet use. As employers update their handbooks and policies, these new requirements should be implemented.