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After the employment-related challenges of 2020, many hoped this year would be a bit less exciting for employers. 2021, it seems, has other plans. After just one month, employers already appear to be on track to meet or exceed the number of challenges they faced in 2020.  With a continuing COVID pandemic, a new administration in the White House, and a shift in the balance of power Congress – we are certain to see many more changes in the months ahead.   Key developments include: The EEOC issued guidance in late December for employers who may be considering requiring employee vaccinations. Essentially the … Read more

After the employment-related challenges of 2020, many hoped this year would be a bit less exciting for employers. 2021, it seems, has other plans. After just one month, employers already appear to be on track to meet or exceed the number of challenges they faced in 2020.  With a continuing COVID pandemic, a new administration in the White House, and a shift in the balance of power Congress – we are certain to see many more changes in the months ahead.   Key developments include: The EEOC issued guidance in late December for employers who may be considering requiring employee vaccinations. Essentially the … Read more

CGA Law firm’s experienced team of employment attorneys will provide proactive business leaders at all levels with an update on key employment law developments. They will suggest strategies to help employers maintain compliance with the many legal challenges employers face in 2020, as well as a preview of what 2021 may have in store.  Join our CGA experts for an enjoyable and informative YCEA working-lunch during which hosts will encourage participants to share their insights, ask questions, and share valuable tips. We look forward to seeing you there! REGISTER NOW The featured speakers, Attorneys Zach Nahass and Christine Nentwig, are Co-Chairs of the … Read more

Restrictive Covenants and Trade Secrets On Monday morning, July 27, 2020, the Pennsylvania Bar Institute will hold a half-day webinar on Restrictive Covenants and Trade Secrets, which will feature Attorney Christine Nentwig, Co-Chair of CGA’s Labor and Employment Department, and Attorney Jeff Worley from Gibbel, Kraybill and Hess, presenting a session titled, No-Hire/No-Poach Agreements: The Latest Developments. The rapidly evolving law surrounding no-hire/no-poach agreements has the potential to affect businesses of all sizes in a wide range of industries, and the session will provide important, practical updates on current Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission guidance regarding such agreements, the … Read more

CGA offers a primer on preparing your team to return to work. CGA Law firm’s experienced team of employment attorneys will provide proactive business leaders at all levels with an engaging and interactive update of employment laws and a primer on preparing your team of employees to return to work. The featured speakers, Attorneys Zach Nahass and Christine Nentwig, are Co-Chairs of the Labor and Employment Law Department at CGA Law Firm. Join our CGA experts for an enjoyable and informative working-lunch during which hosts will encourage participants to share their insights, ask questions, and share valuable tips. We look forward to seeing you there! … Read more

COVID-13 Update: Filing for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) – Expanded Eligibility for Benefits Pursuant to the CARES Act, unemployment compensation benefits are now available for individuals in Pennsylvania who cannot work as a direct result of COVID-19, but who are not normally eligible for unemployment benefits (i.e. independent contractors, self-employed, workers with limited work history, and others). The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program has been created to extend temporary, federally-funded benefits to these previously ineligible groups. An applicant is eligible if any of the following apply: Independent contractor, self-employed, 1099 filer, or farmer and affected by COVID-19,Someone in the household … Read more

Families First Coronavirus Response Act: DOL Publishes Employer Notices and FAQs The Families First Coronavirus Response Act was signed into law March 18th, 2020. Section 5103 of that Act states that within 7 days of the enactment, the Department of Labor would provide model notices for employers to communicate key provisions to employees.  Those notices are now available – one for the private sector and the other for federal workers:  Employee Rights: Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Family and Medical Leave under The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) Federal Employee Rights: Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Family and Medical … Read more

On March 18, 2020, Congress passed the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act,” which provides free COVID-19 testing, increases Medicaid funding, and expands food security initiatives and support for those impacted by the COVID-19 public emergency.  The law also provides paid leave and enhances access to unemployment insurance for employees. The key provisions impacting employers are summarized below.   Emergency Paid Sick Leave ActThe section of the law entitled “Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act,” requires employers to provide employees with paid sick leave for absences related to COVID-19 until December 31, 2020. Covered Employers: Defined as private employers with fewer than 500 employees and government … Read more

As of this writing, the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. There are nearly 1700 cases in the US and 22 cases in Pennsylvania. That number is expected to continue to rise, particularly as testing protocols improve. On a local level, Pennsylvania has experienced multiple school and business closures, Maryland and Ohio have suspended public school classes, and in nearby Montgomery County all schools, gyms, and daycare centers have closed and officials are asking all non-essential businesses to offer paid sick leave and allow employees to work from home.  Nationally, numerous resorts, theme parks and cruise lines … Read more

Article by: Attorney Christine Nentwig It has become increasingly common to see people accompanied by service or assistance animals in public places, including restaurants, shopping malls and airports.  Most service or assistance animals and the disabled individuals they serve are subject to broad protections with respect to both access to public places and housing under several federal (and many state) statutes. Service Animals and the Law The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies only to service dogs (and in some cases miniature horses) who have been trained to perform specific work or tasks for disabled persons.  The provision of emotional support, comfort, … Read more