COVID-19
Biden Administration – In the first days of the new administration, President Biden has stressed that the pandemic is the top priority of the new administration and that the federal government will take a more active role in managing all aspects of the national response – testing, vaccine distribution, health and safety standards, among other issues. Expect a lot of activity and new requirements to emerge over the first 100 days.
OSHA – President Biden directed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to issue stronger guidance on how to protect employees from COVID-19 in the workplace and to consider whether an emergency temporary standard is necessary. If the agency determines it is, it must issue one by March 15, the executive order reads.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
California – More than 50 Bay Area restaurants, wineries and other businesses sued the governor, arguing that the stay-at-home restrictions violate the state constitution and are “arbitrary, irrational and unfair.”To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Virginia – This week, the state made permanent existing temporary workplace safety regulations related to COVID-19.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Chicago, IL – Mayor Lori Lightfoot is pushing to reopen indoor dining, following a trend of other jurisdictions that have taken a cautious approach throughout the pandemic but are now moving to loosen some restrictions.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Starbucks – In addition to hospital systems, retailers – including Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens – have been partnering with states to assist with vaccine distribution. This week Starbucks became the first major restaurant company to play a significant role in distribution.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Wages
President Biden – On his third day in office, the president issued an executive order directing the federal government “to start the work that would allow him to issue” an additional order “within the first 100 days” that would require federal contractors to pay at least $15/hr.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
U.S. House – A Democratic member of Congress from California is advocating a $23/hr federal minimum wage.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Santa Clara County, CA – Next week, the county will consider an ordinance to mandate an additional $5/hr in “hero pay” to frontline workers in retail and food service establishments for 180 days after enactment.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Berkeley, CA – The city manager and city attorney are reviewing a proposed ordinance mandating grocery store workers receive an additional $5/hr in hazard pay.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Long Beach, CA – The city council unanimously approved a temporary ordinance mandating an additional $4/hr hazard pay increase for grocery and supermarket workers.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Universal Basic Income – The once-fringe concept of universal basic income is attracting support of mayors from most of the top 50 metros in the U.S. Over 30 mayors from prominent cities have joined a coalition supporting the concept and are launching pilot programs.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Paid Leave
Oakland, CA – The city council voted unanimously to extend an ordinance the City Council passed last May and is an expansion of the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Labor Policy
NLRB – In a break with precedent, National Labor Relations Board General Counsel Peter Robb was fired by President Biden after he refused to resign.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Chicago, IL – A federal court ruled against a business community-backed lawsuit challenging the city’s new scheduling ordinance, dubbed the “Fair Workweek” law.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Amazon – A National Labor Relations Board hearing officer ruled that roughly 6,000 workers at an Alabama facility will have seven weeks from Feb. 8 to cast their ballots to be represented by the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU).To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Alcohol
Arkansas – The state senate passed legislation allowing for home delivery of alcohol by retail license holders (liquor stores) only.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Las Vegas, NV – The city council passed an ordinance allowing third-party platforms to deliver alcohol from liquor stores and other holders of package liquor licenses.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Delivery
Dutchess County, NY – The county executive issued an executive order capping third-party delivery fees at 15 percent.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe