The President and governors of individual states are discussing plans to reopen businesses in the coming weeks. Some of the measures employers will be required to take will be dictated by governmental agencies and for particular industries. A few of the most commonly discussed steps include: temperature checks, use of PPE, heightened hygiene maintenance, return
Human Resources
DOL Issues Temporary Regulations on Emergency Paid Sick Leave and Emergency FMLA Expansion Acts
On April 1, 2020, the DOL issued its regulations on the paid leave provision of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (i.e., the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Act). While there is a lot to digest in the rule, the most significant aspect is the definition of and…
IRS Issues Guidance on Documents Employers to Maintain to Substantiate Claim to Tax Credits for FFCRA Paid Leave
As the paid leave provisions of the FFCRA take effect today, many employers are asking what information they should maintain so they can claim the tax credits that are available to pay for this leave. Luckily, the IRS has come to the rescue describing the information that should be maintained. The Service’s guidance explains that:…
Federal Judge Enjoins Dallas Paid Sick Leave Ordinance
Yesterday, a U.S. District Judge enjoined enforcement of the Dallas Paid Sick Leave Ordinance. The law, effective August 1, 2019, was scheduled to start being enforced by the City of Dallas on April 1, 2020. Dallas’s law, similar to laws passed by the City of Austin and San Antonio, will now wait until the Texas…
DOL Publishes Additional Guidance on Emergency Paid Sick Leave and Expanded FMLA Leave
On March 26, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor published a Field Assistance Bulletin and additional answers to what it anticipates are Frequently Asked Questions about the FFCRA’ s posting obligations.
The Field Assistance Bulletin No. 2020-1 announced that the Department would take a nonenforcement position during the first 30 days when the Act is…
DOL Publishes Model FFCRA Notices
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act that provides emergency paid leave and expanded FMLA rights to employees of small and mid-sized employers requires covered employer to post notice of rights and responsibilities under the Act in the workplace. The U.S. DOL has posted model posters employers can use and post in conspicuous places where employees…
FFCRA Effective April 1, 2020 Rather than April 2, 2020 (Not an April Fool’s Joke)
When the Families First Coronavirus Response Act was passed, it was to take effect within 15 days of March 18, 2020. Most assumed that the Act, thus, was effective on April 2, 2020. Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Labor announced that the effective date of the Act will be April 1, 2020 (not an April…
DOL Publishes FAQ on Families First Coronavirus Response Act
The U.S. Department of Labor published Questions and Answers on the soon-to-be effective Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act and the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act. The new guidance offers guidance on some important questions such as:
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- How do I know if my business is under the 500-employee threshold for coverage?
- How does a small
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Federal Government Requires Small and Mid-Size Employees Provide Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Paid FMLA Leave for Public Health Emergencies
On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed the Families First Corona Virus Response Act. The Families First Act requires small and midsized employers to provide paid sick leave benefits and expanded FMLA leave to employees needing time away from work due to COVID-19 reasons. While the Act provide others benefits, the FMLA Expansion Act and…
EEOC Updates ADA Pandemic Guidance for COVID-19
The EEOC updated its employer guidance for handling common employment issues that arise during pandemics to specifically address issues related to COVID-19. The new guidance provide useful answers to many frequently asked questions employers have during this difficult time including:
- How much information may an employer request from an employee who calls in sick, in
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