2024
Labor Attorney Michelle Devitt Discusses Negotiations Between Starbucks and Workers UnitedAfter years of opposition to its workers unionizing, Starbucks is now set to begin negotiations with the Workers United union to address the various labor practice complaints against the company. The talks will focus...Does Your Employer Owe You Money? Understanding Philadelphia’s Fair Workweek LawBy Ryan Allen Hancock, Esq. Willig, Williams & Davidson represents thousands of employees who allege that their employer violated Philadelphia’s Fair Workweek Law. The Fair Workweek law covers hourly workers in the service, hospitality,...Joseph Richardson Discusses Dockworkers’ Right to Preserve the Work of Union MembersAn ongoing dispute between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the South Carolina Ports Authority will not be taken up by the U.S. Supreme Court. Wendy F. Pongracz Discusses Johnson & Johnson ERISA SuitA recent lawsuit involving an employee of Johnson & Johnson may indicate an increased focus on litigation related to health benefits under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. Willig, Williams & Davidson partner Louise...Attorney Joseph Salamon Discusses How to Determine if an Employee Benefits Plan Discriminates on the Basis of Gender IdentityGender-affirming care is a hot-button topic for health insurance providers, with the U.S. House of Representatives currently considering an appropriations bill which would prohibit the use of federal funds for this type of healthcare...2023
Attorney Jordan Konell Discusses Unionization in the Arts and Culture SectorUnion activity is on the rise and unlikely to decrease anytime soon - the National Labor Relations Board reported a 53 percent increase in union election petitions between October 2021 and September 2022.Joseph Richardson Discusses NLRB’s Clarification of Anti-Union Bias TestA recent decision by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) clarifies that a large amount of direct evidence is not needed to find violations against employers for punishing workers for organizing. The decision was...‘I Think Being on the Union Side in Labor Relations as Being on the Side of the Angels’Managing partner Deborah R. Willig has spent nearly five decades fighting for the marginalized and excluded, whether as a labor lawyer advocating for workers to be treated with dignity and fairness or as a...Jessica Caggiano Discusses Growing Demand for Union RepresentationThe National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) reported an increase in the number of union representation petitions in the first half of the 2023 fiscal year, with unfair labor practice charges rising by 16 percent....Law360 Covers Housekeepers’ Dispute with Sheraton Hotel over Unreliable SchedulingA group of housekeepers has filed a proposed class action against a Four Points by Sheraton hotel in Philadelphia for allegedly changing workers’ schedules at the last minute and prioritizing new hires over giving...View More2024
February 2024 NewsletterDHS Proposes Minimum Staffing Standards for Nursing Homes The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is seeking to establish minimum staffing requirements for nursing homes. Acknowledging that staffing is linked to pay, DHS...2023
November 2023 NewsletterNew Rule Restores Faster, Simpler Election Procedures at NLRB Workers and unions petitioning the National Labor Relations Board soon will have a faster and smoother road to union elections. Labor attorney Michelle “Micky” Devitt...September 2023 NewsletterNLRB to Employers: Work Rules Must Be ‘Narrowly Tailored’ to Avoid Interference with Protected Activity In August, the National Labor Relations Board issued a much-anticipated decision addressing the lawfulness of employer work rules that...August 2023 NewsletterThe Pregnant Workers’ Fairness Act Goes into Effect: What It Means for Pregnant and Post Partum Employees The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act went into effect on June 27, 2023, about seven months after President...May 2023 NewsletterImplications to Employee Benefits Plans for the End of COVID-19 Emergency Declarations On April 10, 2023, a joint resolution of Congress ended the COVID-19 National Emergency declaration, effective that day, and the White House...February 2023 NewsletterFTC Proposes Ban on Non-Compete Agreements On Jan. 5, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking indicating that it seeks to ban employers from imposing or enforcing non-compete agreements...2022
December 2022 NewsletterPhiladelphia Museum of Art union members represented by American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) District Council 47, Local 397, recently ratified an agreement with the museum, ending a historic three-week strike...October 2022 NewsletterIn an historic and long-awaited decision, an arbitrator has ruled in favor of Teamsters Local 710. The widow of a Pennsylvania police officer will be able to collect death benefits after a significant court...National Women’s Soccer League Players Association and Willig, Williams & Davidson Secure Free Agency Rights for Veteran PlayersNearly two dozen professional women soccer players will, for the first time, be able to negotiate as free agents, thanks to a recent decision by a neutral arbitrator resolving a dispute over free agency...August 2022 NewsletterIn this issue learn What Pennsylvania Employees Need to Know About Medical Marijuana, and Children and Passports in Custody Disputes, as well as attorney news...View More2024
Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorney to Serve on Philadelphia Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division Executive CommitteePHILADELPHIA (February 2024) – Pennsylvania labor, employment and workers’ compensation law firm Willig, Williams & Davidson is proud to announce that associate Felicia Carter has been selected to serve as one of seven attorneys...Labor Attorney Joins Willig, Williams & DavidsonPHILADELPHIA (January 2024) – Labor, employment, workers’ compensation and family law firm Willig, Williams & Davidson is pleased to announce that attorney Samuel H. Datlof has joined the firm’s labor law practice group. “We...Willig, Williams & Davidson Welcomes Labor AttorneyPHILADELPHIA (January 2024) – Labor, employment, workers’ compensation, and family law firm Willig, Williams & Davidson is pleased to announce that Felicia Carter has joined the firm as an associate in the firm’s award-winning...2023
Best Lawyers Names Willig, Williams & Davidson Among 2024 ‘Best Law Firms’ for Labor and Employment LawFirm recognized for labor & employment litigation, employment law on behalf of individuals, union-side labor law, employee benefits (ERISA) law, and family law PHILADELPHIA (November 2023) – Pennsylvania labor, employment, workers’ compensation, and family...Workers’ Compensation Attorney Joins Willig, Williams & DavidsonPHILADELPHIA (November 2023) – Labor, employment, workers’ compensation and family law firm Willig, Williams & Davidson is pleased to announce that Diane M. Ingbritsen has joined the firm’s workers’ compensation practice group. “Our clients...Deborah R. Willig Named to City & State PA Labor Power 100 ListWillig, Williams & Davidson managing partner recognized as one of the most powerful professionals in the labor sector in Pennsylvania PHILADELPHIA (October 2023) – Pennsylvania labor, employment and workers’ compensation law firm Willig, Williams...Philadelphia Business Journal Names Stuart Davidson Among 2023 ‘Best of the Bar’Willig, Williams & Davidson is excited to announce that the Philadelphia Business Journal has named partner Stuart W. Davidson among the 2023 Best of the Bar, an award honoring top lawyers in Philadelphia for...Willig, Williams & Davidson Voted Best Family Law Firm and Best Labor and Employment Law Firm by Readers of The Legal IntelligencerPHILADELPHIA (August 2023) – Willig, Williams & Davidson is pleased to announce that it has been voted the best Philadelphia-area family law firm and labor and employment law firm by readers of The Legal...Deborah R. Willig Named to Lawdragon 500 Leading Civil Rights & Plaintiff Employment LawyersWillig, Williams & Davidson managing partner recognized among top attorneys fighting for workers’ rights16 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named Among 2024 ‘Best Lawyers in America’Philadelphia and Harrisburg labor & employment lawyers recognized among best in the countryView More2024
Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorney to Discuss the Rights of Workers Who Lawfully Use Cannabis in PennsylvaniaDate: April 16, 2024Time: 1:15 p.m. ETLocation: The CLE Conference Center, Philadelphia Details: Labor attorney Jessica C. Caggiano will participate in a discussion entitled “My Employee Tested Positive for Marijuana. Now What?” during the...Willig, Williams & Davidson Partner to Discuss Legal Updates for Collective Bargaining in Higher EducationDate: March 19, 2024Location: Hunter College, CUNY, New York, NY Details: Labor attorney and firm partner Amy L. Rosenberger will participate in a panel discussion at the 51st Annual Conference of the National Center...November 17, 2023
Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorney to Discuss Recent Developments with the National Labor Relations BoardDate: November 17, 2023Time: 11:15 a.m. ET Details: Labor attorney Michelle “Micky” Devitt will participate in a virtual presentation entitled “NLRB Updates,” presented by the New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education (NJICLE). Firm...November 9, 2023
Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorney to Discuss Collective BargainingLabor attorney Michelle “Micky” Devitt will participate in a virtual program entitled “Effective Collective Bargaining Negotiations,” presented by the American Arbitration Association (AAA)-International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR).October 13, 2023
Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorney to Discuss Union Representation for Cultural WorkersDate: Oct. 13, 2023Time: 10:00 a.m. ET Details: Labor attorney Lauren M. Hoye will participate in a panel discussion entitled “Cultural Workers Unite! Legal and Strategic Issues with Cultural Worker Organizing” during the American...Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorney to Discuss Developments in Cannabis LawDate: Oct. 13, 2023Time: 10:30 a.m. ETLocation: Hard Rock Hotel, Atlantic City, NJ Details: Labor attorney Jessica C. Caggiano will participate in a panel discussion entitled “Cannabis: What’s New?” during the 42nd Federal Mediation...September 29 – October 4, 2023
Willig, Williams & Davidson Employee Benefits Attorneys to Present at IFEBP Annual Benefits ConferenceJames S. Beall and Wendy F. Pongracz will serve as faculty at the 69th annual meeting of the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans Date: September 29 – October 4, 2023Location: The Boston Convention...September 21, 2023
Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorney to Discuss Social Media in the WorkplaceDate: Sept. 21, 2023Time: 9:15 a.m. CDTLocation: Embassy Suites, Chicago, IL Details: Labor attorney Jessica C. Caggiano will participate in a panel discussion entitled “Social Media in the Workplace” during the National Association of...June 16, 2023
Willig, Williams & Davidson Partner to Discuss Labor ArbitrationDate: June 16, 2023 Time: 9 a.m. ET Details: Labor attorney Lauren M. Hoye will participate in a virtual program titled “Perfecting Your Labor Advocacy,” presented by the American Arbitration Association (AAA)-International Centre for...June 1, 2023
Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorney to Argue Cases at Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation ConferenceDate: June 1, 2023Location: Hershey Lodge & Convention Center, Hershey, PA Details: Workers’ compensation attorney Michael G. Dryden will argue two cases before the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board (WCAB) at the 22nd Annual...View More2023
Holiday Greetings 2023Warmest wishes from all of us at Willig, Williams & Davidson.2023 Margaret Brent Award Honoree Video, Deborah WilligI grew up in a family where civil rights, women’s rights, and the power of labor unions were regular topics around our dinner table.2022
Holiday Greetings 2022The attorneys and staff of Willig, Williams & Davidson wish you a wonderful holiday season. Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President Jerry Jordan Says Firm Has the Expertise Unions NeedComing from a family of public school educators, Jerry Jordan followed in the footsteps of his grandparents, an uncle, aunts and cousins when he chose education as his career, teaching high school Spanish and...Helen Gym, Mayoral Candidate, former Philadelphia City Councilmember and Youth Advocate, Says Working with Firm Was a ‘Transformative Experience’A member of Philadelphia City Council, community organizer, and public school advocate, Helen Gym relies on Willig, Williams & Davidson to fight for families and educators.Warren Heyman, Retired International Vice President of UNITEHERE!, Says Firm is ‘One of the Best’A union organizer for 40 years before his retirement in 2021, Warren Heyman said he leaned on Willig, Williams & Davidson to help unions navigate several challenges over the years. “This is one of...PA State Senator Vincent J. Hughes: Willig is ‘Fearless’A leading progressive voice on local, state, and national issues, State Sen. Vincent J. Hughes says he has counted on Deb Willig and her team of fierce advocates at Willig, Williams & Davidson for...Nicole Hunt, President of UNITEHERE! Local 634, Calls Labor Lawyers ‘Second Family’Nicole Hunt, President of UNITEHERE! Local 634, Calls Labor Lawyers ‘Second Family’ A food service worker who knew little about union organizing, Nicole Hunt said Deborah Willig and the labor lawyers at Willig, Williams...CWA International Vice President Ed Mooney Says Union Is ‘Thrilled’ With Firm’s RepresentationEd Mooney, International Vice President of District 2-13 for the Communications Workers of America, relies on Willig, Williams & Davidson for a wide range of counsel. “We are thrilled with our representation,” Mooney said,...Cathy Scott, President of AFSCME District Council 47, Calls Willig, Williams & Davidson the ‘Best Labor Law Firm’ in PhiladelphiaAmerican Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) District Council 47 has been a client of Willig, Williams & Davidson since the 1970s. President Cathy Scott said, “In our opinion and our members’...View More2024
Navigating Parenthood: the Complex Intersection of IVF, Relationships, and Legal Battles in PennsylvaniaBy Thomas R. Smith, Jr. In-vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technologies are a blessing to couples struggling to conceive or unable to conceive children naturally. Many couples in Pennsylvania have had the...2023
Department of Health and Human Services Proposes Federal Minimum Staffing Standards for Nursing HomesOn Friday, September 6, 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a proposed rule, seeking to establish minimum staffing requirements for nursing homes in the United States. Supervised Custody Pilot Program Begins in PhiladelphiaIn Pennsylvania and New Jersey, family courts have the ability to enter a court order mandating that a person’s custody time with their children be supervised.New Rule Restores Faster, Simpler Election Procedures at NLRBWorkers and unions petitioning the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for a union election soon will have a faster and smoother road to those elections. NLRB Restores Modified Path to Union Representation Without ElectionThe National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on August 25 issued a decision announcing a stronger framework for establishing an employer’s duty to bargain with a union that has gained the support of a majority...NLRB to Employers: Work Rules Must Be “Narrowly Tailored” to Avoid Interference with Protected ActivityOn August 2, 2023, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a much-anticipated decision addressing the lawfulness of employer work rules that could be read as prohibiting or interfering with employees’ rights to work...The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Goes into Effect: What It Means for Pregnant and Post-Partum EmployeesOn Tuesday, June 27, 2023, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) went into effect, just about seven months after President Biden signed it into law as part of the government funding bill. Glacier Northwest v. Teamsters: The Supreme Court Examines State Tort Claims in the Context of a Private Sector Labor DisputeIn what is broadly being understood as a blow to unions and a victory for employers, on June 1, 2023, the Supreme Court of the United States held that an employer could sue a...Implications to Employee Benefits Plans For the End of the COVID-19 National Emergency and Public Health EmergencyCertain benefit requirements and waivers of policies and deadlines for employee benefit plans implemented under the authority of the NE and PHE will expire upon the end of the NE and PHE, as described...FTC Proposes Ban on Non-Compete AgreementsOn Jan. 5, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking indicating that it seeks to ban employers from imposing or enforcing non-compete agreements on their workers. The proposed rule...View More