Yearly Archives: 2021

Albany Update: “Bad Faith”, Lead Paint Exclusion Ban, Privacy Act Introduced

​Given New York's political climate, playing defense is one of the most important ways Big I NY stands up for you in Albany. New York's legislative session concludes in four weeks, and as is typically the case, numerous harmful bills have popped up.Last week, Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein (D, Brooklyn) introduced a bill to create a statutory “bad faith" cause of action, allowing policyholders to sue insurance companies for a wide range of alleged unfair conduct. The bill includes a raft of incentives for trial attorneys, including extra-contractual damages, double and treble damages, attorney fees, interest, and penalties for failing to settle claims in as little…

Continue ReadingAlbany Update: “Bad Faith”, Lead Paint Exclusion Ban, Privacy Act Introduced

HR Q&A: May 2021

​Q:  We are re-opening the office and have some employees who are vaccinated while others are not. Do we have to implement any different procedures or policies?A: Our best recommendation is to follow the current guidelines established by the CDC, OSHA, and other health & safety experts. Right now, their guidance includes maintaining most of the safety procedures implemented last year: social distancing (possibly with barriers), wearing masks when walking through the workplace or within 6’ of others, limited use of common areas, hand washing / sanitizing, and regular disinfecting of the workplace. This guidance is the same for vaccinated and unvaccinated people so you…

Continue ReadingHR Q&A: May 2021

​Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion: LGBTQ+ Employees

Federal and in some instances state and local law protects several groups of people in the workplace based on their sexual or gender identity.  Given the newness of these protections, as well as the diversity of characteristics and people within this group, some employers are finding it difficult to know how to react to and accommodate the needs of this group.Definitions:LGBTQ+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer with the “+” representing the numerous other sexualities and gender identities covered by this broad term. While employers are not required to know all of the terms, they are required to be accepting, treat an employee…

Continue Reading​Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion: LGBTQ+ Employees