In March 2020, when Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) with a sunset date of Dec. 31, 2020, few anticipated the COVID-19 pandemic would be ongoing into 2021. But the pandemic has not slowed, and requests for COVID-19-related leave (along with the corresponding tax credits) continue.
With Federal COVID-19 Leave Ending, Leave Laws in D.C. and Elsewhere Take Center Stage
When the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) expired on Dec. 31, 2020, COVID-19-related leave was no longer assured for many employees throughout the United States unless another law, like the Family and Medical Leave Act or the Americans with Disabilities Act, applies.
COVID-19 Leave Arrives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
On Dec. 9, 2020, Pittsburgh Mayor Peduto signed a new ordinance granting COVID-19 Sick Time to certain employees working within the City.
Has the COVID-19 14-Day Quarantine Period Been Shortened?
By now, employers likely have heard the news that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reduced the length of time that individuals should quarantine after an exposure to COVID-19. The old adage “don’t believe everything you read” turns out to be true in this case.
CDC Clarifies Critical Infrastructure Worker Guidance
On Nov. 16, 2020, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) clarified its guidance permitting critical infrastructure workers to return to work before the end of the standard 14-day quarantine period following exposure to COVID-19.
Michigan’s Patchwork of COVID-19 Laws & Orders For Employers
As previously reported, on Oct. 2, 2020, the Michigan Supreme Court invalidated post-Apr. 30, 2020 Executive Orders that Governor Whitmer issued related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To Vaccinate Or Not To Vaccinate…That Is The Question
As we enter flu season (in the midst of a national spike in COVID-19 cases), and it now appears that a COVID-19 vaccine is on the horizon, employers are struggling with whether they should require employees to be vaccinated for seasonal influenza and/or COVID-19 infection.
CDC Guidance on “Close Contact” Is Expanded
Just when you thought you had your contact tracing protocol down for dealing with COVID-19 exposures, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance has changed again.
California’s Governor Signs Several Bills Causing Bold Changes to Employee Leaves
California wrapped up its 2020 Legislative Session with the Governor passing several bills that bring dramatic changes to employee leave requirements.
2020 DMEC Return to the Workplace Pulse Survey Results
From July 28 through Aug. 5, 2020, DMEC gathered feedback through an online survey on how organizations are approaching efforts to return employees to the workplace amid the COVID-19 pandemic. … Read More
Do Employers Still Need to Provide Time to Vote in California?
In light of new executive orders to ensure wide availability of voting options in California, employers may question if they still are required to provide time during the workday for their employees to vote.
School’s Back (Or Is It)! When Can Your Employees Take FFCRA Leave?
For many, the start of school looks different this year: from all virtual, to hybrid, to parent’s choice. Employers required to provide leave under the Federal Families First Coronavirus Act (FFCRA) may be wondering how to administer FFCRA leave under this new regime.
Washington Governor Creates COVID-19 Food Production Workers Paid Leave Program
Under the Washington COVID-19 Food Production Workers Paid Leave Program, no food production employer in Washington may operate from Aug. 18, 2020, to Nov. 13, 2020, unless the employer provides its workers with paid leave for certain qualifying events.
New York District Court Vacates Parts of FFCRA Regulations Including Healthcare Provider Definition
Shortly after the Department of Labor issued its FFCRA regulations, the state of New York filed a lawsuit challenging some of the provisions. Today (four months after the regulations went into effect, and just five months before the FFCRA is set to expire), the federal district court in New York struck down four provisions in the regulations.
DOL Issues Additional Clarification on FMLA, FFCRA, FLSA in COVID-19 Context
The U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) recently issued additional clarification on its FAQs and guidance regarding the FMLA and the FFCRA in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some highlights include:
Extended School Closings Create Homework for Employers
You can hear the parents wailing across the country, as states begin to announce their plans to keep physical schools closed or alternate between in-school and virtual classes for the upcoming year.
Summer Break Does Not Necessarily Mean A Break From FFCRA Leave Requirements
Its July. A time when in normal years, schools are closed and families are planning vacations. But in 2020, paid vacation is being replaced with paid leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), leaving employers asking, can they still do that?
Seattle Enacts Gig Worker Paid Sick & Safe Time Ordinance During COVID-19 Crisis
The Seattle City Council has enacted the Paid Sick and Safe Time for Gig Workers Ordinance, which temporarily provides paid sick and safe time for online-based food delivery network companies and drivers of transportation network companies with 250 or more gig workers worldwide.
Washington Proclamation Extending Time Period for High-Risk Employee Job Protection
Washington State Governor Jay Inslee has issued a new Proclamation that extends until 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 1, 2020, the job protections in place for “high-risk” Washington employees.
Chicago City Council Passes COVID-19 Anti-Retaliation Ordinance
Chicago’s City Council has passed an ordinance to protect employees from retaliation by their employers if they obey public health orders or orders of a healthcare provider to stay at home because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ordinance was passed by the City Council on May 20, 2020.