COVID-19
Federal Relief – The Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) is facing a huge funding shortfall. Less than three weeks after the program launched, it is set to close. And, it has less than half the money it needs to fund a flood of relief requests. The Small Business Administration (SBA) reported that restaurants, bars, and other businesses providing on-site food and drink have submitted 266,000 applications seeking a total of $65 billion, far more than the $28.6 billion Congress allocated the program. The National Restaurant Association is calling upon the Biden Administration and Congress to replenish the fund.
CDC – The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released new mask guidelines that have created challenges for employers. Under the new guidance, vaccinated individuals do not need to wear a mask indoors. In response, employers have taken different approaches. Some have kept mask mandates in place out of concern for unvaccinated workers or customers. (Immunocompromised adults may be unable to get the vaccine). While others have lifted mandates for vaccinated employees and workers. Employer requirements related to “vaccinate passports,” or requiring workers to get vaccinated may face challenges in many jurisdictions. As stated above, employers are taking different approaches but, in a number of cases, brands are approaching the issue differently given the jurisdiction. Complicating matters further, OSHA is expected to release workplace guidance soon that may also address the issue.
Wages
Rhode Island – The governor signed legislation increasing the state minimum wage to $15/hr by 2025.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Bank of America – The company announced that it would raise its starting wage for hourly employees to $25/hr by 2025 and also require its vendors to pay at least $15/hr.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Under Armour – The apparel retailer announced it is raising its starting wage to $15/hr, increasing wages for nearly 8,000 workers.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Paid Leave
Oregon – Senate-approved child care legislation advanced out of a house committee.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Scheduling
Connecticut – The senate passed legislation requiring large employers (at least 250 employees, including franchise systems) to provide 14 days advance notice of work schedules.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Activism
Fight for $15 – Timed to coincide with the McDonald’s annual shareholders meeting this week, the SEIU coordinated actions in 15 citiesTo Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Alcohol
Arizona – The house passed senate-approved legislation allowing cocktails to-go and home delivery of alcoholic beverages.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Louisiana – A senate committee advanced house-approved legislation allowing cocktails to-go in sealed containers.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Maryland – The governor signed legislation permanently allowing cocktails to-go and home delivery of alcohol.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Oregon – A house committee advanced senate-approved legislation allowing for the sale of alcoholic beverages for off-site consumption.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Tennessee – The governor signed legislation extending by three years the current law for off-premise sales.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Delivery
Colorado – The house passed senate-approved legislation prohibiting a third-party food delivery service from advertising or delivering from a retail food establishment without a written agreement.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Texas – The house passed legislation prohibiting third-party delivery platforms from listing restaurants without a prior contractual relationship.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Ann Arbor, MI – The city council passed an ordinance capping third-party delivery fees at 15 percent.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Packaging
Washington – The governor signed a bill that will limit the use of single-use plastic across the state.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Denver, CO – The city council passed an ordinance requiring businesses to only provide single-use plastic utensils on demand when they order takeout from a restaurant or use a food delivery app service.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe