Federal Court Rejects Canadian Armed Forces’ Vaccine Mandate Challenge Over Lack of Factual Basis

In a recent ruling by the Federal Court of Canada, a lawsuit led by over 300 current and former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members was dismissed. The lawsuit challenged the military’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate, arguing it violated their constitutional rights. Associate Judge Catherine Coughlan found the lawsuit’s allegations lacked the necessary factual support and employed inappropriate language, resulting in the case being struck down without an opportunity for amendment. The suit, officially titled Qualizza v. Canada, claimed the vaccination directive mandated in 2021 by the CAF overstepped legal bounds set by the Canadian Charter of … Read more

Federal Judge Overturns Biden’s Construction Labor Mandate, Citing Anti-Competitive Concerns

WASHINGTON — A U.S. Federal Claims court recently sided with a group of construction companies challenging a directive from former President Joe Biden that required project labor agreements (PLAs) on federal contracts exceeding $35 million. The ruling by Judge Ryan Holte targeted the enforcement of these mandates on seven contracts in 2023, stating that they were both anti-competitive and based on presidential policy deemed “arbitrary and capricious.” The decision, delivered on Jan. 21, currently impacts only those specific cases filed in 2024, though it represents a broader victory for the construction industry. Industry representatives, particularly … Read more

Court Upholds Hearst’s COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Against Ex-Employee’s Religious Discrimination Claim

In a recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, two divisions of Hearst Corp. were found to have justifiably mandated COVID-19 vaccinations based on sound medical evidence, effectively quashing a former employee’s bid to overturn a dismissal of his religious discrimination lawsuit. The decision underscored the court’s support for employer vaccination policies amidst an ongoing pandemic. The former employee, George Rodrique II, contended that Hearst failed to sufficiently demonstrate that the COVID-19 vaccine reduced virus transmission, arguing that a religious exemption would not have placed undue hardship on the company. … Read more

Alabama Mother’s Triumph: Supreme Court Mandate Supports Breastfeeding Moms in Jury Duty Debate

Montgomery, Ala. — In a notable legal shift, the Supreme Court of Alabama has ruled that breastfeeding mothers who are summoned to jury duty can now seek exemption, responding to a longstanding concern among new mothers regarding civic duties and childcare. This decision underscores an increasing recognition of the personal obligations that can conflict with public service requirements. Breastfeeding mothers in Alabama have often faced the difficult choice of serving on a jury or ensuring they are available to tend to their infants’ nutritional needs. The new ruling provides them with relief that aligns with … Read more