Category Archives: Uncategorized

Cybersecurity in the Remote Workplace in International Workplaces During the COVID-19 Pandemic



In this podcast, Stephen Riga and Andre Appel discuss cybersecurity in the remote workplace, including what information remote employees handle, how to protect electronic information, and both employers’ and employees’ legal obligations to protect sensitive information from data breaches and cyberattacks. The speakers discuss common threats to digital information that employees face when they work remotely.


Dirty Steel Toe Boots, Episode 7: The Supreme Court’s Decision on OSHA’s ETS



In this episode of Dirty Steel-Toe Boots, host Phillip Russell is joined by Eric Hobbs, the chair of Ogletree Deakins’ Workplace Safety and Health Practice Group. Phillip and Eric take a first look at the Supreme Court’s decision staying the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) enforcement of the Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) until the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals (and, ultimately, the Supreme Court) has an opportunity to weigh in on the merits. Phillip and Eric explore the implications of the Court’s stay on future court decisions, OSHA’s potential actions with regard to the ETS and the National Emphasis Program (NEP), and employer’s next steps in light of these judicial and agency actions.


Global Solutions, Episode 29: Remote Work and Telework Rules in EMEA



In this episode of our Global Solutions series, Chris Andersen and Andre Appel address laws regarding remote work in Europe, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates that were implemented as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The speakers focus on four issues that might arise in workplaces that have implemented remote work arrangements: (1) how employers and employees agree on teleworking arrangements; (2) whether employers must pay to implement a remote work arrangement, including payment for the necessary equipment to facilitate work from home; (3) employers’ workplace safety obligations with regard to employees who work from home; and (4) employee morale issues that might result from teleworking arrangements.


Oregon Employment Law, Episode 4: Key Considerations for Remote Workforces



In this episode of our Oregon Employment Law podcast series, Paul Cirner and Florence Mao discuss several Oregon employment laws that are relevant to remote workforces. The speakers cover antidiscrimination provisions under the Oregon Workplace Fairness Act, leave laws under the Oregon Family Leave Act and Oregon Military Family Leave Act, sick leave entitlements, lactation and pregnancy accommodation requirements, meal and rest break obligations, and more.


Global Solutions, Episode 28: Remote-Work Considerations for Employers Doing Business in the Asia-Pacific Region



In this episode of our Global Solutions series, Mami Kato and Skye Hao provide an overview of the latest trends and requirements related to remote-work arrangements in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, with a particular focus on China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. The speakers address issues involving employee time tracking and compensation, workplace safety, antidiscrimination protections based on employee status, work rules and employment policies, and other emergent considerations for employers. Ogletree Deakins’ Global Solutions podcast series includes additional country-specific flash briefings, full episodes on relevant topics for multinational employers, recap episodes, and companion materials.


Oregon Employment Law, Episode 3: COVID-19, School Closures, and Employee Leave Entitlements for Caregivers



In this episode of our Oregon Employment Law podcast series, Paul Cirner and Florence Mao discuss the employment law implications of school closures and quarantine orders related to COVID-19 exposure. The speakers detail the relevant requirements under federal laws and the Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA) in addition to explaining issues regarding verification of caregivers’ need for leave, the amount of leave required under leave laws, and the interplay between federal and state law.


In The Breakroom With Bill, Episode 5: Breaking Down Florida’s Employer Vaccine Mandate Restriction



In this episode of In the Breakroom, Bill Grob is joined by Phillip Russell and Dee Anna Hays to discuss Florida’s new law prohibiting employers from mandating employee vaccinations. The new measure, which went into effect immediately after Governor Ron DeSantis signed the law on November 18, 2021, prohibits employers from implementing a COVID-19 vaccination mandate for employees without providing at least five individual exemptions. Our speakers discuss the details of the new law and the five exemptions and address compliance questions and challenges on the horizon for Florida employers.


Dirty Steel Toe Boots, Episode 6: Florida’s New Law Restricting Employer Vaccine Mandates



In this episode of Dirty Steel-Toe Boots, host Phillip Russell is joined by Dee Anna Hays for a first look at the new Florida law that prohibits private employers from mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for employees unless they qualify for one of five exemptions (medical, religious, prior infection immunity, regular testing, and personal protective equipment (PPE) usage). The law is effective immediately and impacts private employers that mandate vaccinations for their employees. Phillip and Dee Anna also discuss possible conflicts with and preemption of the new state statute with federal vaccine mandates in Executive Order 14042 (which applies to federal contractor employees) and by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).


Dirty Steel Toe Boots, Episode 5: A First Look at OSHA’s new ETS with Phillip Russell and Eric Hobbs



In this episode of Dirty Steel Toe Boots, host Phillip Russell is joined by Eric Hobbs, the chair of Ogletree Deakins’ Workplace Safety and Health Practice Group for a first look at the emergency temporary standard (ETS) just released by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The speakers discuss what an ETS is under the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act, what it must contain, and legal arguments and procedures for how it may be challenged. Phillip and Eric also discuss various requirements for employers under the ETS including how it counts the 100+ employee minimum, how it excludes employees who work exclusively outside or remotely, and other key points.


In The Breakroom With Bill, Episode 4: OSHA’s New Emergency Temporary Standard



Welcome to In the Breakroom, a podcast series on hot topics related to employment law. On November 4, 2021, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued its new emergency temporary standard (ETS), which imposes vaccine and COVID-19 testing requirements on employers with 100 or more employees. In this episode, Bill Grob and Phillip Russell address the main challenges employers will face as they strive to comply with the new ETS.