LA, Chicago Impose Virus-Inspired Layoff, Leave Mandates

Employers in Chicago face new worker leave mandates while some Los Angeles businesses will soon see limits on how they handle layoffs—examples of the employment ordinances cities are pursuing in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Those ordinances and others that have passed or been proposed in New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, and elsewhere aim to protect workers from unexpected job losses, workplace safety concerns, or the pressure to come to work despite personal health risks.

Management-side employment attorneys, however, said the ordinances bring compliance challenges and litigation threats that increase the already-significant risk for businesses reopening during and ...