Federal Contractor Vaccine Mandate Deadline Extended to January 4, 2022; New FAQs

To align with OSHA’s large employer vaccine mandate, the deadline for federal contractors and subcontractors to comply with the recent Executive Order implementing a vaccine mandate has been extended to January 4, 2022. Corresponding FAQs have also been expanded and updated.

 

Alabama: Prohibition on Discipline for Vaccine Mandate

On November 4, 2021, SB 9 prohibits employers with mandatory vaccine policies from terminating employees while they request an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Employees must be provided a statutory form to request an exemption. If an exemption is denied, the employer must continue the paid employment of an employee whose request is denied for at least seven days, or until an administrative law judge rules on an employee’s appeal of the denial. Even then, an employee has 14 days to file an appeal with the court; however, there is no independent cause of action afforded employees.

 

New Jersey: Tax Exemption Expires for Remote Workers

On October 1, 2021, the New Jersey Division of Taxation (NJDT) ended the temporary tax relief period, requiring employers to now withhold income taxes for remote employees who work in New Jersey. This change shifts the duty to calculate income taxes back to the location where the employee performs work, rather than the location of the employer. Employers should update payroll procedures accordingly.

 

New York: Updates to Paid Family Leave and Paid Vaccine Leave

On January 1, 2023, S.2928-A/A.06098-A will expand the definition of “family member” for purposes of paid family leave to include care for siblings with a serious health condition, including biological siblings, adopted siblings, step-siblings and half-siblings. Effective January 1, 2022, the state Workers’ Compensation Board removed the 60-day cap on the amount of intermittent paid family leave employees who work more than five days per week may take. On October 12, 2021, the New York State Department of Labor updated its Frequently Asked Questions to require employers to also provide up to four hours of paid vaccination leave for each COVID-19 booster shot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Disclaimer: This document is designed to provide general information and guidance concerning employment-related issues. It is presented with the understanding that ManagEase is not engaged in rendering any legal opinions. If a legal opinion is needed, please contact the services of your own legal adviser.

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