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Johnine P. Barnes

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Johnine P. Barnes has wide-ranging experience in labor and employment law. She is nationally recognized by the Legal 500 U.S. Guide for her counselling and compliance practice regarding employment laws, including but not limited to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and other federal and state statutes governing employment issues.

In addition, Johnine is recognized by Lawdragon 500 as Leading Lawyer in America, and as a Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyer. She is experienced in litigating and defending employment claims of harassment, retaliation, discrimination, wrongful discharge, and breach of contract, as well as business litigation matters. She has experience handling non-compete agreement and contract disputes, trade secret matters, international disputes, white collar crime claims, property interest disputes and legislative matters.

Contact: Read more about Johnine P. Barnes

On Oct. 11, the United States Department of Labor (DOL) issued a proposed rule that would change the definition of “independent contractor” for companies, a modification that could impact worker…

Continue Reading Department of Labor Proposes to Reinstate Economic Realities Test for Independent Contractors Under FLSA

In April 2021, President Biden issued Executive Order 14026, Increasing the Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors, directing an increase in the hourly minimum wage paid by contractors to workers under…
Continue Reading Interim Rule Issued Amending Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) to Implement EO 14026, Increasing the Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors

Employers can no longer mandate pre-dispute arbitration for claims of sexual assault or sexual harassment by employers.

Click here to read the full GT Alert.
Continue Reading Employee’s Choice: No More Forced Arbitration of Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Claims

On Jan. 26, 2022, the Department of Defense, General Services Administration, and NASA issued an interim rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement EO 14026 (87 FR 4117).
Continue Reading Interim Rule Issued Amending Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) to Implement EO 14026, Increasing the Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors

On Oct. 25, 2021, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued guidance and updated the same on Oct. 28, to assist employers who receive requests for religious accommodations from job…
Continue Reading EEOC Issues Guidance on Title VII and Religious Objections

Presuming that OSHA’s COVID-19 ETS stands, employers will need to adhere to further requirements by Jan. 4, 2022. Until then, employers should prepare for compliance with the Dec. 5 requirements.
Continue Reading OSHA COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard Takes Effect Dec. 5: Are Employers Ready?

On Nov. 4, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) unveiled its long-awaited Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) regarding the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination, vaccination verification, face coverings, and…
Continue Reading The COVID-19 Vaccine/Testing Mandate Is Here: What Does It Mean for Employers?

On Sept. 9, 2021, President Biden issued his Executive Order on Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors (EO), mandating vaccines for all federal employees and covered federal contractor…
Continue Reading Considerations for Federal Contractors on President Biden’s EO, Effective Oct. 15, Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols

On Sept. 9, 2021, President Biden issued two executive orders (EOs) with a six-prong strategy to combat the COVID-19 variants, aimed to “save […] lives […] while also keeping schools…
Continue Reading President Biden Issues COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for Certain Workers and Federal Contractors and Subcontractors