Welcome to the Summer 2020 issue of The Employment Law Reporter. This inaugural issue of this quarterly newsletter first reviews the landmark U.S. Supreme Court opinion in which the Court ruled that an employer that fires an individual merely for being gay or transgender violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday, June 15, 2020, that the ban on sex discrimination in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects homosexual and transgender workers. In a 6 to 3 decision with Justice Neil M. Gorsuch writing for the majority, the Court interpreted the Civil Rights Act of 1964’s prohibition

North Carolina District Court Permits Plan’s Lawsuit Against Third Party Administrator to Continue

A federal district court in North Carolina has ruled that a plan subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) had standing to assert breach-of-fiduciary duty claims under ERISA against a third party health insurance administrator for the plan.

U.S. Supreme Court Interprets “Actual Knowledge” Test for Suits Against ERISA Fiduciaries

The U.S. Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, has ruled that a plaintiff in a lawsuit alleging a fiduciary breach under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) did not have “actual knowledge” of the information contained in disclosures that the

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has updated its guidance on workplace laws during the COVID-19 outbreak. The guidance, updated on April 17, 2020, assists employers with navigating pandemic-related issues. In a question-and-answer format, the EEOC clarifies topics such as the confidentiality of medical information, inquiries about employee symptoms and providing reasonable accommodations.

The

As we all face these challenging times, it is  more important than ever to remain committed and focused on diversity and inclusion. Many employees, especially those who are underrepresented, may feel increasingly overlooked.

Rivkin Radler remains committed to our Development, Diversity and Inclusion initiative, and as a reminder of the importance of connectivity during these unusual days, the following are some helpful tips:

1. Be cognizant of who you are assigning

Second Circuit Affirms Decision Rejecting ERISA Claims for Retiree Health Benefits

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has affirmed a district court’s decision dismissing claims under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) seeking retiree health benefits.

The Case

The plaintiffs were officers at EmblemHealth, Inc., who retired between 2008

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) will take effect on April 1, 2020, and will require all private employers with 499 or fewer employees to provide paid sick leave and emergency family leave to qualified employees. The FFCRA will apply to a broader set of individuals than New York’s paid sick leave law passed

As we have previously reported, on March 18, 2020 President Donald J. Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The FFCRA provides for two leave requirements arising in different portions of the Act:

1. The right to Public Health Emergency Leave, which amends the existing statutory text of the Family and Medical Leave

In response to the current public health crisis, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today that it will allow certain employers to defer the physical presence requirements associated with Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9).

Under ordinary circumstances, employers must physically inspect the documents produced by employees to establish their identity and authorization