Employment agreements will generally state whether an employee can engage in other jobs while working for an employer. Some employment agreements contain what is commonly called No Moonlighting clause, which will explain whether an employee can have another job and whether they need to have the employer’s permission first.
Texas employees who refuse COVID-19 vaccine may be terminated. If they have a non-compete agreement with their employer, assuming the agreement meets the appropriate legal requirements, i.e., among other things, is reasonable, has geographic, scope, and term restrictions, and is supported by consideration, the fact that the employee was terminated or quit over the COVID-19 vaccine requirement, is not going to make the agreement invalid.
In 2021, the Texas legislature will consider employment law bills that will: expand employment discrimination to include gender identity and expression, require paid sick leave; prohibit inquiries into wage history or criminal background (prior to offer of employment); require advanced notice of work schedules in food and retail establishments; prohibit non-disclosure and arbitration contracts in sexual harassment disputes, and raise minimum wage, among others.
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals recently clarified that non-employees do not have standing to sue under Title VII, even if they are an object of intentional retaliation.
Over the next several days, I will provide a break down of the new employment laws and guidances issued by various government agencies that Texas employers should know about when dealing with COVID 19. If you have any follow up questions, please reach out to me at Leiza.Dolghih@lewisbrisbois.com.
Eradicating sexual harassment in the workplace requires commitment from the upper echelons with the company, creation of clear anti-harassment policies, effective training, and consistent enforcement of such policies. If your company is committed to making a change, but not sure where to begin, the above recommendations provide a good starting check list for making such changes.
