July 15, 2020
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Berke-Weiss Law Writes About Free Speech in the Workplace for Law360

Since the killing of George Floyd, as a firm we have made an effort to both learn and contribute our expertise to the necessary and ongoing conversations about racism and discrimination in our country. 

As a part of this effort, we wanted to help answer some questions on many New Yorkers’ minds right now: can I be fired for protesting or posting about politics on social media? Am I entitled to take time off to protest? Can my employer force me to take a Covid-19 test after protesting but before returning to my workplace? 

We are excited to share that our research on these topics has been published by Law360 in an article entitled, “When NY Worker Free Speech Rights And COVID-19 Collide,” which examines employee protections under New York Labor Law § 201-d and the latest Covid-19 guidance from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. 

When NY Worker Free Speech Rights And COVID-19 Collide - Law360

By Alexandra Berke, Kacie Candela and Margaret Lee Law360 is providing free access to its coronavirus coverage to make sure all members of the legal community have accurate information in this time of uncertainty and change. Use the form below to sign up for any of our daily newsletters.

With the HEALS Act the Fight over Pandemic Lawsuits Takes Center Stage

July 30, 2020
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Earlier this week, Senate GOP leadership introduced their $1 trillion opening response to the $3 trillion Congressional HEROES Act, originally proposed in May. As we have noted, the signal demand coming from Mitch McConnell’s office is liability protection (the “L” in HEALS) for businesses and health care organizations. Translated, McConnell wants to prevent workers from suing employers if they contract coronavirus at work. And the GOP appears firm that without consensus on this issue, there will be no new stimulus.

The Berke-Weiss Law Weekly Roundup, PUA Running Out, Why It Took So Long to Recognize the Child Care Crisis, and New Workers Councils

July 24, 2020
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This week marks a significant juncture for the US as Pandemic Unemployment Assistance is scheduled to end next week, schools are considering how to safely serve students, and workplaces continue to grapple with safety concerns.

The Week in FFCRA Cases Includes a Class Action Suit against the USDA

July 24, 2020
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Four cases came across the wire this week and we have chosen to highlight them all. One case is the first class action lawsuit filed under the FFCRA and concerns potentially millions of people seeking SNAP aid. The three other suits that were filed this week follow a familiar line for anyone who has been reading our updates. People are getting sick or have family members getting sick and are then denied their right to paid leave and are terminated.

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