Workforce Bulletin

As we have noted previously, many countries have introduced creative new approaches to address the economic realities of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Because employees continue to work from home and employers reconsider whether employees must return to the workplace at all, jurisdictions have implemented – and now are extending – measures to accommodate the needs and interests of both employers and employees in this ever-changing and evolving employment environment.

As we have highlighted, Luxembourg is an example of a country that has sought to develop solutions with its ...

Trump Administration Amends Presidential Proclamation That Temporarily Suspends New H-1B, H2B, J-1, and L-1 Visa and Travel from Abroad

On June 29, 2020, the Trump administration issued an amendment to Section 3(a)(ii) of Proclamation 10052 (“Proclamation”) to suspend and limit foreign nationals attempting to enter the United States in H-1B/H-2B/H-4, L-1/L-2, or J-1/J-2 employment-based nonimmigrant visa categories.

The original language in the Proclamation read as follows:

Sec. 3. Scope of Suspension and Limitation on Entry. (a) The suspension and limitation on ...

As we wrote about in more detail here, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has brought increased attention to the legal and practical distinctions between employees (who are entitled to various compensation and employment benefits under the law) and independent contractors (who generally are not).  The pandemic has also prompted lawmakers at the federal, state, and local level to explore further legislation designed to provide independent contractors with greater protections under the law.

The Seattle City Council has now passed two ordinances—the “Gig Worker Premium Pay ...