February 24, 2023
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NLRB Issues Ruling on Unlawful Severance Agreements

This week, the National Labor Relations Board issued a ruling stipulating that employers cannot make employee severance packages contingent on workers giving up NLRA-enacted rights. Specifically, that employers cannot prevent terminated employees from disparaging the employer or keeping the contents and existence of their severance agreement confidential.

In this most recent decision the board ruled that offering severance based on giving up labor rights was in and of itself an effort by employers to steer workers away from their statutory rights.  

According to board chairman Lauren McFerran, “It’s long been understood by the Board and the courts that employers cannot ask individual employees to choose between receiving benefits and exercising their rights under the National Labor Relations Act. Today’s decision upholds this important principle and restores longstanding precedent,”

The NLRB’s ruling is part of a larger strategy by the Biden administration to shore up workers’ rights. As of now, the common provisions of non-disparagement and confidentiality in severance agreements are not permissible under this ruling, however, it is expected to be appealed. The ruling also references potential carve-outs, which will be explored in the coming months. We will be monitoring this ruling closely as it has broad ramifications for our employer and employee clients signing or offering severance agreements.

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NY State Mask Mandate Returns

December 22, 2021
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In light of the Omicron threat, New York State has resumed its mask mandate, stipulating that all businesses that are open to the public and do not require proof of full vaccination must require everyone to be masked.

Here’s Why Justice May Demand That Harvey Weinstein Goes Free

December 20, 2021
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On Wednesday, December 15, the Appellate Division, First Department of New York State heard arguments regarding the appeal of Harvey Weinstein’s criminal conviction for rape and assault. Read Senior Associate Alex Berke’s Daily Beast article about why overturning Weinstein’s conviction may be the just thing to do.

NYC Releases Guidance on Vaccine Mandate for Private Sector

December 17, 2021
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On December 27, 2021, all workers who either work in-person or who have significant daily contact with the public will need to show proof of vaccination, as required by Mayor De Blasio’s emergency executive Order 317.

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