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What I’ve Been Reading This Week: Update Edition


Recently, there have been several developments on some topics I have written about that I wanted to bring to the attention of readers.  As with many topics I write about, situations change and are constantly evolving.  As we head into the homestretch of 2021, I wanted to highlight a few recent developments that readers might find worth a read.

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


Coronavirus Testing, Vaccinations, & Paid Leave

Yesterday, it was announced that there is a new deadline for large employer to comply with the coronavirus vaccine requirements as directed by the Biden administration.  Following the Occupational Safety and Health Administration issuing its Emergency Temporary Standard (“ETS”) on the matter, questions have started to arise over what, if any, paid leave employers will be required to provide to employees to get tested and/or get a coronavirus vaccine.  Earlier this morning, Jeff Nowak over at FMLA Insights posted a good overview on the matter that I would suggest readers take a look at to get a better handle on the topic.


As Unionization Effort Gets Second Bite At the Apple, Amazon Remains On Offense

Earlier this year, Amazon successfully beat back a unionization effort at one of its warehouses in Alabama.  In fact, the defeat was somewhat resounding, given how many people surmised it might be close and perhaps the first unionization at an Amazon workplace.  Nevertheless, a challenge was subsequently asserted to the election results on the grounds that a ballot receptacle on the workplace premises tainted the final outcome.  In doing so, there have been rumblings that a second election might be on the horizon.  As a result, as this article from Reuters notes, Amazon has been staying on offense in recent weeks by requiring workers to attend meetings and posting signage critical of labor unions, among other measures.  While a second vote is not assured, Amazon appears to be taking it as a serious possibility and doing what it can to get ahead of the matter before/if a second election gets set.


Union Rejects John Deere’s “Last, Best, & Final” Offer

On Wednesday, the United Auto Workers (which represents over 10,000 unionized John Deere workers currently on strike) rejected the most recent collective bargaining proposal from John Deere.  While the decision to reject the proposal was somewhat close (55% - 45%), the union indicated the proposed six year agreement which included annual raises was not sufficient.  In doing so, the strike will extend into yet another week as both sides appear to be digging in their heels.  One thing to note, however, is this vote to reject the most recent proposal from John Deere was much narrower than the previous 90% vote in favor of going on strike.  Stay tuned.


House Democrats Plan to Include 4 Weeks of Paid Leave in Their Domestic Policy Legislation

Remember last week when a proposed 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave was jettisoned from the proposed legislation Democrats in Congress were working on and many thought paid leave was D.O.A.?  In the words of Lee Corso…not so fast, my friend.  Yesterday, House Democrats indicated they would seek to include 4 weeks of paid leave in the legislation currently working its way through Congress.  Now as anyone that follows Congress will tell you, both the House and Senate have to vote on and approve the same legislation.  That presents a problem when there does not appear to be enough support in the Senate for paid leave in this legislation…given that there are already gripes about what the legislation will cost and paid leave being one of the things that went to the chopping block to winnow down costs.  For those hoping to see paid leave in the final version of this legislation when/if it hits President Joe Biden’s desk…I would not necessarily hold your breath.

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