Lloyd Gosselink News
“Ask Sarah” Column
Dear Sarah, We recently had a holiday party where an employee exhibited some bad behaviors, and we are concerned about our employees’ safety during other off-duty events in the future. We have a policy against harassment in the workplace, but… Read More
Employment Law Update: Expanded Pregnant and Nursing Employee Protections
On December 29, 2022, President Biden signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, an omnibus spending bill into law. The bill included two items affecting employers: the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing… Read More
“Ask Sheila” Column
Dear Sheila, We understand that in September 2021, the Texas Legislature expanded the ways doctors in Texas can legally prescribe medical marijuana. We have a no-tolerance drug policy. What do we do when one of our safety-sensitive employees or applicants… Read More
Legislative Updates in Texas Employment Law
by Sheila B. Gladstone, Sarah T. Glaser, and Jessica A. Maynard The 87th Texas Legislature passed a number of bills affecting Texas employers. This article summarizes the most noteworthy new employment laws and outlines key takeaways for Texas employers. Note,… Read More
COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Update: Supreme Court of the United States Blocks Enforcement of OSHA ETS
On January 13, 2022, in a six-three decision, the Supreme Court of the United States granted a stay on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). The stay effectively blocks OSHA from enforcing the ETS… Read More
COVID-19 Employer Update: CDC Shortens Recommended Isolation and Quarantine Period
On December 27, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) released a media statement shortening the recommended isolation and quarantine periods for the general population. These changes were made in response to updated science showing that the… Read More
COVID-19 Update: Sixth Circuit Dissolves OSHA ETS Stay, Private Employers with 100+ Employees Need to Comply with Vaccine Mandate or Weekly Testing & OSHA Announces Enforcement Deadlines
On December 17, 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit dissolved the Fifth Circuit’s stay on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) nationwide. As… Read More
“Ask Sheila” Column
Dear Sheila, We have received an internal complaint at our company where a Black employee accused another Black employee of using racial slurs against her. The accused employee defended herself by saying that she felt these are acceptable words to… Read More
Texas supreme court declines city of austin’s invitation to approve paid sick leave ordinance
Last Friday, June 5, 2020, the Texas Supreme Court declined the City of Austin’s request to validate the constitutionality of its Paid Sick Leave Ordinance. The Court’s decision not to hear the City’s appeal means that the appellate court’s determination that… Read More
Governor Abbott Announces Extensions To Payment Deadlines For Certain Employers
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has extended payment deadlines for designated reimbursing employers that are required to pay a share of unemployment benefits. Designated reimbursing employers include non-profits, local governments, school districts… Read More