Missouri Lawyers Weekly Features Shook Partner on New Employment Litigation

Shook National Employment Litigation & Policy Practice Chair Bill Martucci spoke to Missouri Lawyers Weekly (MLW) regarding Missouri’s recent Proposition A ballot measure, and the legal challenges that will be proposed before Missouri’s Supreme Court. Proposition A, which was passed with nearly 58% of the vote, raises Missouri’s minimum wage and institutes paid sick leave requirements.

In “Proposition A Faces Legal Challenges, Leaving Employers and Employees on Unsteady Ground,” Martucci is quoted extensively on the upcoming compliance challenges presented by Proposition A, as the statute requires employers to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours that an employee works. Martucci also noted the national employment landscape trends and how this Missouri law fits within that overall framework.

“This legislative effort as set forth through this most recent election is another indication of how the trend throughout the United States is to be ever more protective of individuals and their needs for leave,” Martucci said. “Understanding that is helpful for those who advise individuals and those who advise employers, because that trend is supported by societal interests.”

Martucci noted that whether this law goes into effect as planned is currently unknown, but it is wise for attorneys advising employers to anticipate that it will become effective. 

“There is, of course, a challenge in the courts to the law,” Martucci noted. “Most commentators are of the opinion that the challenge is meaningful, but eventually, some approach will be undertaken that would provide for paid leave.”