Keeping an Eye on the NLRB and Executive Orders

By Linda H. Evans,
Senior Associate.

 

Keeping an eye on the NLRB

 

As August winds down, some NLRB watchers are expecting to see a flurry of activity from the Board. Possible announcements could include one dealing with an expanded view of what constitutes joint employers and another one allowing the unionization of Northwestern University football players. Watch this space for more details as summer draws to a close!

 

Federal Contractors and Paid Sick Leave

 

The Obama administration has drafted an executive order that would require any company that contracts with the federal government to issue paid leave to employees who are sick, are seeking medical attention, or need to care for a sick relative. This order could potentially affect hundreds of thousands of workers since it is aimed at contractors and subcontractors. The draft, which is not yet final, would allow a minimum of 56 paid hours a year (or about 7 days) for situations much like those covered under the FMLA. It could also apply to absences from work due to domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking. Employers would also be required to allow unused leave to accrue from year to year. The order is not final yet so there could be changes…for better or worse! We’ll let you know what happens!