CDC Issues Updated Guidance on Asymptomatic COVID-19 Testing
September 20, 2020
In updated CDC guidance, the new guidance states that “if you have been in close contact, such as within 6... Read More
EEOC (Once Again) Publishes Updated Guidance About the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and COVID-19
September 11, 2020
The EEOC has once again weighed in with updated guidance for employers to remain compliant when dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic in the workplace. The EEOC’s most recent FAQs are largely based on its webinar from March 2020, so much of the guidance may already be familiar to employers.
California COVID-19 Employer Playbook For a Safe Reopening
July 29, 2020
California released a COVID-19 Employer Playbook For a Safe Reopening to help employers “plan and prepare for reopening their business and to support a safe, clean environment for workers and customers.”
Paid Leave for Parents Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
July 27, 2020
While many parents remain in limbo regarding the status of their child’s school this fall, some of your parent-employees have undoubtedly received confirmation as to whether their child will be attending full time in-person classes, full time distance learning, or a hybrid of the two. Your employees may be asking for teleworking arrangements or a period of continuous leave to stay home and care for school aged children whose schools have chosen a full time distance learning model.
Minnesota Governor Issues Mask Requirement
July 23, 2020
Joining the long list of states with mask mandates, on July 22, Minnesota Governor issued Executive Order 20-81, which requires people in Minnesota to wear a face covering in all public indoor spaces and businesses, and even some outdoor spaces, unless they are alone or otherwise qualify for an exemption or accommodation. The face covering requirement is intended to supplement, and not replace, other prevention efforts such as physical distancing and hand washing. This Executive Order is effective starting July 25, and it remains in effect until the peacetime emergency declared in Executive Order 20-01 ends or until cancelled by a proper authority.
COVID-19/CORONAVIRUS Office Reopening Q & A
May 01, 2020
Note: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act expired on December 31, 2020. On December 27, 2020, President Trump signed a... Read More
Can I Reduce My Employees’ Wages and Salaries Due to Economic Slump?
April 13, 2020
The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related business closures and/or slowdown has been devastating for many. Employers are forced to cut costs, and many are considering reductions in hours, wages, and salaries to remain afloat. While this is a reasonable measure to minimize business interruptions and to keep as many employees on payroll as possible, employers should carefully implement wage, salary, and hour reductions to maintain legal compliance. The following provides general, federal guidance on these cost-cutting options, but employers should note that certain workers may be subject to additional laws (for instance those working on employment-based immigrant visas), and some states and local jurisdictions have stricter laws and regulations with which to comply.
FFCRA Tax Credits
April 07, 2020
On April 1, 2020, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) went into effect, requiring employers to provide employees with paid sick leave (PSL) and expanded leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (EFMLA) and enabling employers to recoup the cost of these leaves through tax credits. The IRS has issued guidance for employers with regard to obtaining and processing these tax credits.
The Small Business Administration Issues an Interim Final Rule for the Paycheck Protection Program
April 07, 2020
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued an interim final rule to announce implementing regulations for the new Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which was created by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to offer low-interest loans to small businesses affected by the COVID-19 crisis. The PPP encourages businesses to maintain employee numbers and compensation by offering loan forgiveness, subject to certain conditions. General information on the PPP and eligibility requirements can be found here.
USERRA- COVID19
March 30, 2020
In response to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, governors from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Washington, D.C. have chosen to mobilize National Guard troops to aid the government’s response. Some of the activities Guards members are being asked to assist in include delivering food to those in the hardest hit regions, providing critical personal protective equipment to medical personnel and first responders, supporting testing facilities, and providing transport assistance to support health care providers. In this time of crisis, our troops are being relied upon to assist with many critical functions to ensure the success of the United States’ COVID-19 response.
The Relief for Workers Affected by Coronavirus Act: Changes in Unemployment Insurance
March 30, 2020
The Relief for Workers Affected by Coronavirus Act (Title II, Subtitle A of the CARES Act) has made several changes to federal unemployment insurance law. The Act extends benefits to groups of individuals who previously would not have been eligible for unemployment insurance benefits, but whose employment has been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Act also provides a financial supplement for all unemployment insurance recipients.
The CARES Act Forgivable SBA Loan Program
March 30, 2020
On March 27, 2020, the president signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) into law. Below are highlights of the SBA forgivable loan program.
Employer “Sick Pay” Tax Credit Information
March 30, 2020
Updating the legal information we have been providing on the two "sick pay" laws passed by Congress and the Senate a week ago, we wanted to update businesses who continue to employ their employees on April 1, 2020 (the effective date of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) and the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (“EPSLA”) ) of the "refundable" payroll tax credits for employers in order to assist with the cost of providing Coronavirus-related leave to their employees.
Furloughs, Layoffs, and Terminations: Understanding the Differences
March 27, 2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses find themselves with limited resources, and many questions over how to allocate them. No employer wants to punish employees who have been loyal to the company, and in which the employer has invested significant resources from hiring to training, but what are the options when an employer is stretched past its financial limit, and what is the difference between the various terms for the separation between an employer and employee?
Legislature Considering Economic Stimulus Plans
March 23, 2020
On March 23, the Senate failed for a second time to pass a comprehensive stimulus bill aimed at combating the devastating economic effects of COVID-19.
Department of Labor Issues Guidance Related to COVID-19 or Other Public Health Emergencies and the Fair Labor Standards Act
March 23, 2020
The Department of Labor (DOL) has published the following list of FAQs to provide guidance on FLSA implications during the COVID-19 crisis. Note that additional state or local laws may also come into play depending on your location and situation.
EEOC Publishes Updated Guidance About the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and COVID-19
March 22, 2020
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces workplace anti-discrimination laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act, which provide for reasonable accommodation requirements and rules about medical examinations and inquiries.
Onboarding for Remote Workers: COVID-19 Update
March 18, 2020
UPDATE: As of March 20, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security has announced that employers may view Section 2 documents remotely (via fax, email, or webcam) for the purpose of completing Form I-9 within the requisite 3 business days of the employee’s date of hire.
Federal Emergency Paid Sick Leave Legislation Introduced
March 09, 2020
With the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus increasing across the United States and abroad, Senator Patty Murry (D-WA) and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) introduced new, emergency paid sick leave legislation that would provide paid sick days immediately to workers in light of the current spread, as well as prepare for future public health emergencies.
EEOC Weighs in on Coronavirus
March 04, 2020
On the heels of our recent blog about COVID-19, the EEOC weighed in with what employers should know about anti-discrimination laws and coronavirus.
The EEOC enforces certain anti-discrimination laws, including the ADA, which protects applicants and employees against disability discrimination. The ADA also regulates medical examinations and inquiries for all employees and applicants, including those without an ADA qualifying disability.