MRSC Insight Blog

Posts for Personnel Policies

Smartphone on wooden table shows a whistleblower alert from an anonymous caller

Personnel Issues of Note from the 2023 Legislative Session

August 28, 2023 by Michael Incorvaia
Category: Guest Author , Compensation , Personnel Policies , New Legislation and Regulations

New state personnel laws establish protections for certain whistleblowers, amend the statutory definition of employment, modify procedures for reviewing and approving requests for partial wage replacement for unemployed workers, and update hospital staffing standards.

A dog laying on the floor while several people are working in desks nearby

Pets in the Workplace — “Stay” or “Go to your Crate?”

June 5, 2023 by Steve Gross
Category: Personnel Policies

Unlike the requirement to accommodate service animals (and sometimes support animals), local government agencies do not have to allow pets in the office. Some people love the idea, others loathe it. Whether you allow them or not, you should have a clear pet policy.

Supreme Court Issues First Opinions on Federal COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements

January 18, 2022 by Steve Gross
Category: COVID-19 , Court Decisions and AGO Opinions , Operating Policies , Personnel Policies

The U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily stopped the implementation and enforcement of a federal rule calling for large U.S. employers to require employees be vaccinated against COVID-19. Following the decision, OSHA withdrew the proposed rule.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements in the Local Government Workplace

August 11, 2021 by Flannary Collins
Category: COVID-19 , Personnel Policies

This blog post looks at the legal authority for government employers to require employees to be vaccinated, as well as the main issues to consider before establishing a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination program.

An Overview of New Personnel-Related Bills Adopted in the 2021 Regular Legislative Session

July 12, 2021 by Flannary Collins
Category: Personnel Policies , New Legislation and Regulations

This blog provides an overview of leave-related bills as well as a new state holiday passed during the 2021 regular legislative session.

Troublesome Behavior: Defending Against Harassment of Public Officials and Employees

March 18, 2021 by Sarah Doar
Category: Administrative and Elected Officials , Administrative and Elected Officials-County , Personnel Policies

This blog explores strategies for dealing with members of the public who cross the line into harassing elected officials or local government staff.

Lessons Learned from Snowmaggedon

March 14, 2019 by Jill Dvorkin
Category: Emergency Management , Personnel Policies

This blog post will address a few of the frequently asked questions MRSC received during “Snowmageddon” this past February.

New Bills Addressing Gender Discrimination and Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

April 25, 2018 by Flannary Collins
Category: Personnel Policies , New Legislation and Regulations

The Washington State Legislature passed several bills in the 2017-2018 legislative session related to gender equality and sexual harassment that local governments should be aware of.

Is Your Organization Prepared for the #MeToo Movement?

February 26, 2018 by Sebris Busto James
Category: Guest Author , Personnel Policies

The consequences of failing to prevent or ignoring sexual harassment are significant for an organization, including millions of dollars in litigation and settlements, low employee morale, high turnover, and low productivity. This post looks at recent EEOC activity in this area and offers basic advice to organizations seeking to create a workplace free of any type of harassment.

New EEOC Rules Affect Employer Wellness Programs

December 7, 2016 by Beth Kennar
Category: Guest Author , Personnel Policies , New Legislation and Regulations

The EEOC recently issued a final rule to amend the regulations implementing Title I of the ADA and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 as they relate to employer wellness programs. This post discusses the impact of this new rule.

OSHA Takes Aim at Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing

November 1, 2016 by Nate Bailey
Category: Guest Author , Personnel Policies , New Legislation and Regulations

Workplace policies that require mandatory drug or alcohol testing after an injury has taken place may be out of compliance—and may lead to steep fines—according to a new OSHA rule set to take effect in November. Written by attorney Nate Bailey, from Sebris Busto James, this Advisor column explores the rule in greater detail.

Residency Requirements for City Employees – Is That OK?

October 1, 2014 by Paul Sullivan
Category: Personnel Policies

A question we’re asked fairly often is whether a city may require that its employees reside within its jurisdiction? The answer is that it depends on the form of government the city has and on which employees the requirement would apply to.

Single Comment, Together with "Background Evidence," May Establish Hostile Work Environment

September 30, 2012 by M. Edward Taylor
Category: Guest Author , Personnel Policies

In Washington, hostile work environment claims can be based on the cumulative effect of discrete acts. As a result, a hostile work environment can arise over a period of days or even years. When a claim involves several years of cumulative conduct, how do Washington courts address the situation where the conduct becomes unlawful in the middle of the series of acts?

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