COVID-19
Federal Relief – As a result of President Trump signing the federal relief bill into law and avoiding a potential veto override vote from Congress, federal agencies have already begun distributing funds as well as releasing guidance documents.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Testing – A group of major corporations including CVS and Amazon launched the Workplace Employers Alliance for COVID-19 Testing, a coalition aiming to tout the importance of employer-based testing programs as a tool to combat the pandemic. It will push for a comprehensive national testing strategy that includes expanded testing of asymptomatic populations.
Vaccine Distribution – Many states have now publicly released their plans for vaccine distribution. States are required to file plans with the CDC as well. There is great variance from state-to-state but a number of states have included restaurant and retail workers as essential workers, moving them toward the “front of the line.”To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
In-N-Out Burger – At least 80 employees from just two In-N-Out Burger locations in Colorado have tested positive for COVID-19. Another 25 are potentially infected. The outbreak is one of the largest publicly reported from a restaurant or retail location. More details.
Costco – At least 145 workers are infected in a single outbreak at a Washington state Costco. More details.
Omni Hotels & Resorts – The hospitality workers union UNITE HERE is accusing the company of misusing nearly $76 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans by continuing to layoff workers despite taking the money.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
New Jersey – The governor signed legislation to spread out over several years pending increases in the state unemployment tax.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Wages
Los Angeles County, CA – A motion was approved directing county staff to draft a temporary “hero pay” ordinance.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Berkeley, CA – At their next meeting on Jan.19, the board of supervisors will consider a resolution asking the city attorney to draft an emergency ordinance to guarantee hazard pay of an additional $5/hr for grocery store workers.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
San Francisco, CA – Similar to Los Angeles County, the board of supervisors approved a $5/hr hazard pay premium for workers in large grocery store chains.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Wayfair – The online retailer announced an immediate increase to their starting wage to $15/hr for all full-time, part-time and seasonal workers.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Paid Leave
California – State lawmakers will consider a bill when the legislature reconvenes in Jan.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Labor Policy
Labor Secretary – Boston Mayor Marty Walsh has been nominated by President-elect Biden to lead the Labor Department.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Labor Department – The Office of Management & Budget posted the final notice of a pending rule that redefines “independent contractors” under federal law, signaling that the final rule will be published soon.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Packaging
Philadelphia, PA – For the second time, the mayor delayed implementation of a bill to eliminate plastic bags in stores, restaurants, and delivery services for another six months.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Yum – The company’s enterprise in China, Yum China, is following through on their promise to eliminate plastic packaging. Starting this month, all KFC restaurants in mainland China will stop using plastic straws and over 90 percent of KFC restaurants will replace disposable plastic cutlery with wooden cutlery for dine-in and takeaway.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Delivery
Massachusetts – The legislature passed an economic development bill that contains a $20 million grant program to support restaurants but also includes a provision capping third-party delivery fees at 15 percent.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Albany County, NY – The county executive revised his earlier order capping delivery fees at 15 percent by further capping marketing and other fees at 5 percent.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Broome County (Binghamton), NY – The county executive issued an order capping third-party delivery fees at 15 percent.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Monroe County (Rochester), NY – The county executive ordered third-party delivery fees to be capped at 15 percent.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe