Labor Week: COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Exemptions in AL, UT; Digital Workplace Monitoring Notification in NY & More

AL Enacts Law Restricting COVID-19 Vaccination Mandates:

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey (R) signed into law a bill (SB 9 b) requiring employers in the state to exempt from COVID-19 vaccination requirements “any employee who has completed and submitted [an] exemption form.” That form lists numerous possible reasons for exemption, including having previously suffered an allergic reaction to vaccine ingredients, having been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 12 months and having a religious conflict with vaccination. The law took effect immediately and will remain in place until May 1, 2023. (SHRM, STATE NET)

UT Legislature Approves COVID-19 Workplace Vaccination Exemptions Bill:

The Utah Legislature passed a bill (SB 2004 b) last week that would provide exemptions from COVID-19 workplace vaccination mandates and prohibit employers from firing workers for refusing to get vaccinated. The measure now heads to Gov. Spencer Cox (R), who previously stated he opposed barring private businesses from imposing vaccine mandates. (ABC4.COM, STATE NET)

NY to Require Notification of Digital Workplace Monitoring:

Legislation (AB 430) signed by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) on Nov. 8 will require private employers in the state, beginning on May 6, 2022, to notify all new employees if workers’ electronic communication is monitored, as well as post such notification in the workplace. The requirement covers employee telephone calls, e-mails and internet use. (SHRM, STATE NET)

CA Workers Threatening Strikes:

With a tight labor market and living costs soaring, thousands of California workers, from university lecturers to healthcare professionals to workers in the film industry, are threatening work stoppages to improve their pay and working conditions. Over 400,000 workers in the state left their jobs in August, the highest number in two decades, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. (SACRAMENTO BEE)

-- Compiled by KOREY CLARK