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What I’ve Been Reading This Week

 

At the end of every year, I traditionally do an overview of some of the key highlights (or perhaps lowlights) on the labor & employment law front around the country over the prior 12 months.  With the coronavirus dominating news coverage since at least early March (and the subsequent impact on workplace issues), I could spend hours going through labor & employment law developments that have arisen because of the virus.  However, rather than rehashing that matter, I think it is more appropriate to turn the page on 2020 and move forward into the new year.

As always, below are a couple articles that caught my eye this week.


COVID, the Vaccine, & Age Discrimination

I intended to focus on a few non-coronavirus related topics this week, but this article is especially timely and worth highlighting at the outset.  The National Law Review recently wrote an insightful article on potential age discrimination issues that may arise for employers as the vaccine rolls out across the country.  While this article may not be applicable to all employers, it is worth a quick read to understand the basics of what type of age discrimination issues might arise going forward.


Boston Mayor Marty Walsh Emerges As Strong Favorite for Biden’s Labor Secretary

Boston.com reported recently that Democratic Boston Mayor Marty Walsh has emerged as a strong favorite to become President Elect Joe Biden’s Labor Secretary.  Walsh, who has strong union ties (including as a member of Laborers’ Union Local 223) is a “trendy” pick among those seeking the Labor Secretary position.  However, there is some concern that nominating Walsh will not provide Biden with the diversity to his cabinet that many have called for since November’s election.  Whether Walsh can continue to galvanize enough support to secure the nomination remains to be seen.  However, Labor Secretary is one of the preeminent positions in Biden’s cabinet that has not seen a nominee put forth yet.

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