COVID-19
Vaccine Distribution – Each state is taking a slightly different approach to vaccine distribution. Most states are currently vaccinating essential workers in the 1B category. And, most states have included restaurant workers in the 1C category. Some jurisdictions, notably Connecticut, are requiring employers to register (and thus qualify) workers to receive the vaccine. However, most states have yet to release their vaccine plans for 1C workers. More details.
Liability – A number of states are wasting no time and quickly advancing legislation that would shield business from COVID-19 liability. Within the past two weeks, legislation advanced in a number of states including Indiana, Florida, Georgia and Montana.
California – A National Retail Federation lawsuit challenging the state’s emergency workplace standards was dismissed this week.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Darden – Darden Restaurants announced this week that it will incentivize its workers to get vaccinated, compensating workers two hours of pay for each shot that workers receive. More details.
National Restaurant Association – The NRA sent letters to the US Conference of Mayors, the National Governors Association, and the National Conference of State Legislatures urging lawmakers not to pass additional mandates on restaurants due to the pandemic. The NRA is calling for a one-year freeze on any new taxes, fees or mandates until the industry can stabilize. More details
Wages
Federal – House Democrats released their $15/hr minimum wage proposal this week.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Santa Clara County, CA – The county directed staff this week to draft an ordinance giving some retail and QSR workers an extra $5/hr in “hazard” or “hero” pay over the next 180 days.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Los Angeles, CA – A city council committee forwarded a temporary ordinance mandating an additional $5/hr hazard pay increase for grocery and supermarket workers.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Seattle, WA – The city council unanimously passed an ordinance mandating an additional $4/hr in hazard for some grocery workers.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Study – The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) concluded that most economic research finds that a higher minimum wage has a negative effect on low-skill employment.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Labor Policy
Federal – A coalition of more than 70 unions and worker advocacy groups called on Congressional leaders to pursue legislation providing increased protections and benefits for “app-based workers.”To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Amazon – The company has asked the National Labor Relations Board to reverse an agency regional official’s call for mail balloting and to freeze the impending vote in a closely-watched union election at an Alabama warehouse, insisting that an in-person election is safe despite the COVID-19 pandemic.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Delivery
Baltimore, MD – The city council passed an ordinance capping third-party delivery fees at 15 percent.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
San Diego, CA – The mayor issued an executive order capping third-party delivery fees at 15 percent.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Alcohol
Mississippi – A bill to allow for home delivery of beer, wine and spirits passed out of a senate committee and is on its way to the full senate.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
New Mexico – Legislation passed a senate committee that would create a new class of liquor licenses for restaurants in order for them to deliver beer, wine and spirits.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe