Welcome to #WorkforceWednesday. This week, Congress finally passes a COVID-19 relief bill as employers make longer-term plans for vaccination programs and return to work.

Congress Passes Relief Bill

Congress delivers a COVID-19 relief bill for the holidays. After months of wrangling, Congress passed a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package in which eligible individuals will receive $600 one-time stimulus checks. The bill also includes additional unemployment benefits and aid for struggling small businesses. However, President Trump has now called on Congress to increase stimulus checks to $2,000 for individuals—making it unclear what will happen next.

EEOC Publishes COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says employers can require employees to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Guidance published by the agency states that mandatory vaccination programs are permitted as long as employers follow Americans with Disabilities Act and Title VII accommodation requirements. Read more.

Employers Delay Return to Work

As the pandemic numbers continue to climb, an increasing number of employers in the United States and abroad are delaying return to work until early summer. Governments are taking notice of this trend. For example, Luxembourg extended its COVID-19-related amicable agreements with neighboring countries through June 2021. Luxembourg’s agreements are aimed at easing economic burdens for employees who are teleworking across borders.