Labor Relations and Legal Newsletter – January 2021

Labor Relations and Legal Newsletter – January 2021

This Labor Relations and Legal Update highlights some salient changes that either recently took effect in 2020 or will take effect in 2021. The material recapped in this newsletter is general information we are providing as a courtesy on subjects that may be of interest to you. We encourage you to consult with your legal advisors about the applicability of these changes and updates to your organization’s specific circumstances, and how best to handle them.

Click the headings below or use the tabs above to view the articles in the January newsletter.

COVID-19

It is important to Entertainment Partners (EP) that we keep our clients up-to-date with the latest information on the global COVID-19 pandemic that has substantially impacted the entertainment industry in order to help them gain a strong offensive and defensive hold against this threat. For this reason, this winter’s newsletter commences with a special COVID-19 section that highlights major enacted legislation, “best practice” guidance, and current industry practices to help clients navigate this unprecedented terrain. Please see prior EP alerts for more information on the following topics relating to the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Labor Relations and Legal Alert on Coronavirus Disruption
• California WARN Act Considerations for Coronavirus-Related Hiatuses/Layoffs
• The New York Legislature’s Response to COVID-19
• CARES Act Provides Employee Retention Credits for Employers Impacted by Coronavirus
• How Entertainment Partners is Assisting SBA Paycheck Protection Program Loan Applicants
• Additional Relief for Small Businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act and How EP Can Assist Loan Applicants
• IRS Issues FAQs Regarding CARES Act Employee Retention Credits for Employers Impacted by Coronavirus
• Update for CA Employers Regarding COVID-19 and Workers Compensation
• Los Angeles County Orders Reopening Protocol for Music, Film, and Television Production
• California's New Covid-19-Related Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Law
• New California Laws Adding Employer Responsibilities for COVID-19 Workplace Outbreaks
• Studios and Major Unions Reach Industry-Wide COVID-19 Return-To-Work Labor Agreement
• Cal/OSHA Adopts New Standards to Protect Workers from COVID-19

Federal Updates

• The Federal CARES Act Offers Flexibility on Issues Relating to 401(k) and IRA Plans
• Federal Data Privacy Legislation Headwinds

California Updates

• New California Pay Data Reporting Requirement Under SB 973
• Business-Favorable Clarifications to Exclusions in AB 5 Independent Contractor Law
• California Voters Override AB 5 for App-Based Drivers and Services Through Passing of Proposition 22
• California Family Rights Act (CFRA) Expansion

• Dec 31, 2020 Deadline for Mandatory Harassment Training in California for Non-Supervisory Employees

• New California Crime Victims Leave Legislation Under AB 2992
• California Privacy Rights and Enforcement Act Amends California Privacy Protection Act

Multi State Updates

• Georgia Passes Law Protecting Employers from COVID-19 Liability If Certain Actions are Taken
• Connecticut Paid Family Leave Program Employee Paycheck Deductions Begin January 1, 2021
• December 31, 2020 Deadline for Mandatory Harassment Training in Illinois for All Employees
• Minimum Wage Updates
• Paid Sick Leave Updates

Labor Relations Updates

• SAG-AFTRA Basic and Television Agreements
• DGA Basic and FLTTA Agreements
• WGA Theatrical and Television Agreement
• MPIPHP East Coast Hourly Cost of Benefits Rate
• Local 161 Majors Theatrical, TV and Supplemental Digital Agreements
• Local 764 Majors Theatrical, TV and Supplemental Digital Agreements
• Local 798 Majors Theatrical, TV and Supplemental Digital Agreements
• Local 817 Majors Drivers Agreement