Policies & IssuesDec 06, 2021
De Beers Owner to Require COVID-19 VaccinationsPolicies & IssuesDec 21, 2021
President Biden’s Vaccine or Testing Mandate Gets Green Light
OSHA said it will hold back on issuing noncompliance citations due to the confusion surrounding the mandate.
Private companies with 100 or more employees are required to either have their workers fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or require weekly testing, as per the OSHA rule.
New York—President Biden’s vaccine and testing mandate for private businesses was reinstated by a federal appeals court last week following a November injunction.
A ruling by the 6th U.S. Court of Appeals in Cincinnati lifted a November injunction that blocked a rule by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requiring companies with 100 or more employees to either have their workers fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or require weekly testing.
The initial announcement about the Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) implemented by OSHA was met with some pushback, including from the National Retail Federation, which filed a lawsuit in November to challenge the rule.
The trade organization once again expressed its concerns about the ruling in a statement issued Friday by David French, its senior vice president of government relations.
“NRF has long maintained that OSHA, in promulgating its Vaccine Mandate Emergency Temporary Standard, exceeded the authority granted to it by Congress in 1970 and crafted a rule that is infeasible for employers to implement during the critical holiday season,” said French.
The organization asked the Biden administration to delay the implementation guideline and said it will “consider additional legal options.”
Other critics of the bill had echoed the NRF’s sentiment, but the federal government contended it had the authority to issue the mandate since Congress has authorized OSHA to issue an ETS when employees are exposed to a “grave danger,” like COVID-19.
The 6th Circuit agreed in its decision Friday, pointing out OSHA’s historical precedent for using its discretion to protect workers, and said it had demonstrated the “pervasive danger that COVID-19 poses to workers—unvaccinated workers in particular—in their workplaces.”
Related stories will be right here …
A ruling by the 6th U.S. Court of Appeals in Cincinnati lifted a November injunction that blocked a rule by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requiring companies with 100 or more employees to either have their workers fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or require weekly testing.
The initial announcement about the Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) implemented by OSHA was met with some pushback, including from the National Retail Federation, which filed a lawsuit in November to challenge the rule.
The trade organization once again expressed its concerns about the ruling in a statement issued Friday by David French, its senior vice president of government relations.
“NRF has long maintained that OSHA, in promulgating its Vaccine Mandate Emergency Temporary Standard, exceeded the authority granted to it by Congress in 1970 and crafted a rule that is infeasible for employers to implement during the critical holiday season,” said French.
The organization asked the Biden administration to delay the implementation guideline and said it will “consider additional legal options.”
Other critics of the bill had echoed the NRF’s sentiment, but the federal government contended it had the authority to issue the mandate since Congress has authorized OSHA to issue an ETS when employees are exposed to a “grave danger,” like COVID-19.
The 6th Circuit agreed in its decision Friday, pointing out OSHA’s historical precedent for using its discretion to protect workers, and said it had demonstrated the “pervasive danger that COVID-19 poses to workers—unvaccinated workers in particular—in their workplaces.”
The mandate caused some confusion when it was first announced in the fall without key details, leaving business owners with many unanswered questions. The confusion may have been exacerbated by the injunction and, now, reinstatement of the rule.
“To account for any uncertainty created by the stay, OSHA is exercising enforcement discretion with respect to the compliance dates of the ETS,” a Department of Labor spokesperson said in a statement.
The rule required affected businesses to have workers fully vaccinated or be submitting a weekly COVID test by Jan. 4.
Unvaccinated employees were required to wear masks indoors as of Dec. 5.
OSHA will not issue citations for noncompliance with any of the rule’s requirements before Jan.10.
It will not issue citations for noncompliance with the rule’s testing requirements before Feb. 9, “so long as an employer is exercising reasonable, good faith efforts to come into compliance with the standard.”
OSHA said it will work with those under the rule to provide compliance assistance.
Though the rule has passed one hurdle, there may be a Supreme Court battle up ahead.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton tweeted, following the Friday ruling, that he would ask the Supreme Court to overturn the rule.
The Justice Department expressed concern that blocking the OSHA rule will be detrimental to the public as COVID-19 cases rise this winter and the Omicron variant rages.
“COVID-19 is spreading in workplaces, and workers are being hospitalized and dying,” the Justice Department said in a court filing Friday.
“As COVID-19 case numbers continue to rise and a new variant has emerged, the threat to workers is ongoing and overwhelming.”
For more information about COVID-19 safety or the vaccine, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Petra Diamonds Elevates Interim CEOs to Permanent StatusVivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno AwardLaurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in NamibiaThe company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
SourcingNov 25, 2025
Finestar Opens Diamond Manufacturing Facility in JohannesburgIt joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka DotsThe polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.
CrimeNov 25, 2025
Former Arizona AG Official Charged With Trafficking Stolen JewelryVanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest HonorGIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' SequelThe second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New PresidentSecond-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEOAmber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.
