October 2020 

$50,000 PPP Borrowers:  Relief is Here – Again!

By Robert G. Brody and Mark J. Taglia
October 13, 2020

Late last week the United States Small Business Administration (the “SBA”) released a streamlined loan forgiveness application for Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) borrowers with loans of $50,000 or less. Full Article 
 

Connecticut Announces  Phase 3 Reopening Plans

By Robert G. Brody and Mark J. Taglia
September 28, 2020
 
Last week Connecticut’s Governor, Ned Lamont, announced plans for the state’s Phase 3 reopening amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
 Full Article

EEOC to Employers: ‘Let’s Make a Deal’

By Robert G. Brody and Mark J. Taglia
October 9, 2020
 
Last week the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (the “EEOC”) proposed regulations aimed at creating more settlements and fewer lawsuits.  The intent behind the new regulations is to enhance the EEOC’s “conciliation” process with the hopes of resolving workplace bias claims before they advance to litigation. Full Article
 

One Giant Step Back for Sensitivity Training

By Robert G. Brody and Mark J. Taglia
October 8, 2020

With the unrelenting impact of COVID-19 on businesses and the presidential campaign in full swing it was easy to miss President Trump’s recent order barring certain types of sensitivity training for federal contractors.  Full Article

September 2020 

COVID-19 Lawsuits and the Workplace:  What Employers Need to Know

By Robert G. Brody and Mark J. Taglia
September 10, 2020
 
Earlier this month, the Workplace Policy Institute (the “WPI”) released its annual Labor Day Report. This year’s report focused on the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on employers and employees, and the litigations between them which have been prompted by the pandemic.  Full Article 
 

Connecticut’s Time’s Up Act Harassment-Free Training Deadline Extended to January 1, 2021

By Robert G. Brody and Mark J. Taglia
September 17, 2020

Pursuant to Executive Order 7DDD, as amended by Executive Order 9A, the October 1st Connecticut Sexual Harassment Prevention Training deadline has been extended to January 1, 2021, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.   Full Article

Can Employees Use Federal Leave to Care for Children Studying At-Home Because of COVID-19 – Yes (and No)

By Robert G. Brody and Mark J. Taglia
September 21, 2020
 
After traversing a very windy road, the federal COVID-19 leave law has been determined to allow employees paid leave if their children are forced to learn remotely.   Full Article
 

14 Day Quarantine No Longer Required in All Cases: COVID-19 Travel Advisory Update
 

By Robert G. Brody and Mark J. Taglia
September 21, 2020

Last week Connecticut’s Governor Ned Lamont issued Executive Order 9B (click here to read the Executive Order), which calls for a welcome COVID-19 testing alternative to mandatory self-quarantine for those individuals coming into Connecticut from states and US territories on Connecticut’s Travel Advisory list (click here to see Connecticut’s current Travel Advisory list).  Full Article

DOL Proposes New “Economic Reality” Test to Determine Independent Contractor  Status of Workers 

By Robert G. Brody and Mark J. Taglia
September 21, 2020

The U.S. Department of Labor (the “DOL”) just proposed new regulations that, if implemented, would make it easier for employers to classify workers as independent contractors (rather than employees).   Full Article