Gaetano Urgo

New Chicago Law Requires “Bystander” Training in Sexual Harrassment Policies for Chicago Employers

In April of 2022, Mayor Lightfoot and the Commission on Human Rights amended the City’s sexual harassment laws to make them stronger and to uphold zero tolerance of violence and harassment in the workplace. The Chicago Commission on Human Rights has begun enforcing this new ordinance which requires, among other things, that every Chicago employee must receive a dedicated hour of bystander sexual harassment training annually. While New York City had enacted requirements for sexual harassment prevention training, which included bystander training, Chicago’s law differs in that it requires a full, separate hour of bystander training for covered employees. As such, Chicago is the first jurisdiction to require this type of training on its own. Employers have until June 30, 2023, to begin providing this training.

NLRB Clarifies Bargaining Obligations Under OSHA’s ETS

On November 5, 2021, OSHA issued an Emergency Temporary Standard (“ETS”) to protect workers from COVID-19. The ETS covers employers with 100 or more employees and requires covered employers to develop, implement, and enforce a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy unless the employer adopts a policy requiring employees to choose either to be vaccinated or undergo […]