Monthly Archives: June 2023

June 26, 2023

Religious Accommodation: SCOTUS Approaching Decision on Title VII ‘Undue Hardship’ Standard

Steven Gutierrez

On April 18, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case involving a former U.S. Postal Service (USPS) worker who was denied a religious accommodation to observe his sabbath. The broad implications of a decision that favors the former worker could change the analysis for employers when assessing employee requests for religious accommodations.

Background

Gerald E. Groff is an evangelical Christian who began working at the USPS in 2012. In 2013, the USPS contracted with Amazon to deliver packages on Sundays. Read more >>

June 21, 2023

Our Company Is Expecting to Start a New Business Line, Should We Revisit Our Policies and Procedures?

Steven Gutierrez

by Steven Gutierrez

The fact your company is setting up a new business line doesn’t mean you must revisit the company’s policies and procedures, unless the addition of the new line would increase your employee count so much that the company would be obligated to offer new benefits or comply with additional mandates. Read more >>

June 8, 2023

Shifting Landscape: New Laws Significantly Impact Colorado Employers

Mark Wiletsky

by Mark Wiletsky and Joshua Kohler

During this legislative session, Colorado enacted more protections for employees in the workplace, including redefining what constitutes unlawful harassment, restricting confidentiality agreements, expanding the ability to use paid sick leave, and addressing job posting requirements.

Governor Polis signed into law the Protecting Opportunities and Workers’ Rights (POWR) Act (SB23-172), Additional Uses of Paid Sick Leave (SB23-017), and the Ensure Equal Pay for Equal Work Act (SB23-105). POWR and Additional Uses of Paid Sick Leave go into effect August 7, 2023 and Ensure Equal Pay for Equal Work Act goes into effect January 1, 2024. These laws, and POWR in particular, make considerable changes to the obligations and requirements of employers in Colorado. Now is a good time to revisit any form agreements used with current or prospective employees (e.g., settlement agreements, employment agreements, etc.) and employee handbooks, update anti-harassment and complaint procedures and plan for anti-harassment training, and assess your internal job posting process.