AGG Talks: Solving Employers’ Problems

Our podcast series features AGG attorneys discussing challenges they have encountered when assisting clients on business and legal issues related to the employment relationship. HR professionals, in-house counsel, and business owners can stay updated on key employment law topics and trends affecting the workplace.

Episode 4: Health Plan Premium Surcharges for the Unvaccinated: Are They Legal and How Do They Work?


In this episode, AGG Employment partners Ashley S. Kelly and Theresa Y. Kananen and Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation of counsel Tia L. Martarella discuss a strategy that many employers feel may encourage employees to receive the coronavirus vaccine and reduce health plan costs: health plan premium surcharges. The discussion includes an overview of the (many) rules and regulations governing health plan premium surcharges, as well as potential legal roadblocks.

Episode 3: The American Rescue Plan Act’s COBRA Subsidy: What Is It and How Does It Work?


In this episode, AGG Employment partner Theresa Y. Kananen and Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation of counsel Tia L. Martarella discuss the requirement under the American Rescue Plan Act that employers subsidize COBRA benefits for certain individuals for a period of six months, from April 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021.

Episode 2: COVID-19 Vaccines and the Workplace

In this episode, AGG Employment and Litigation attorneys Megan P. Mitchell and Edward P. Cadagin discuss considerations for employers who are thinking about implementing a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, or who wish to offer incentives to employees who receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Megan and Ed also discuss the EEOC’s updated guidance on vaccination in the workplace.

Episode 1: How to Address Employees Who Do Not Want to Return to the Workplace

As COVID-19 vaccinations have become readily available, more and more businesses are returning employees to work on a pre-COVID schedule. The CDC recently issued guidance stating fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks in most cases. Some workers, though, are not anxious to return to work. In this episode, AGG Employment partners, Ashley S. Kelly and Theresa Y. Kananen, discuss how to handle several common scenarios in which employees are reluctant to return to work.