Blog
IT’S A WASH
COVID-19 Paid Leave and Tax Credits As reported in Federal Coronavirus Workplace Relief (March 23) and COVID-19 Gets Noticed (April 2) the March 18 Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requires most employers with fewer than 500 on payroll to provide paid sick and family leave wages for certain COVID 19-related absences. The FFCRA includes […]
WHEN THE SHOW MUST GO ON
Key Protection Protocols for an Essential Industry Employee’s COVID-19 Diagnosis/Symptoms As of April 7, all but five states (the Dakotas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Arkansas) have some form of COVID-19 “safer at home” orders in place. For those businesses permitted or directed to stay open as part of the 16 federally-designated “critical infrastructure” sectors, management faces […]
“SAFER AT HOME”
California’s Coronavirus Response Statewide and Local April 3, 2020 Current Status Welcome to our new pandemic-driven world, evolving daily. On March 19, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newson issued Executive Order N-33-20 requiring all California residents until further notice to stay at home or place of residence except for those in businesses and functions deemed essential to […]
COVID-19 GETS NOTICED
As reported in “Federal Coronavirus Workplace Relief,” the March 18 Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) contains two nationwide employee leave laws, the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (PSL Act) and the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (EFMLA). In essence and applicable to businesses with fewer than 500 employees: The PSL Act requires […]
UNEMPLOYMENT GOES VIRAL
Furlough Versus Layoff: A Distinction Without a Difference? The Coronavirus crisis has forced many employers to reduce or eliminate their work force for the foreseeable future. Some employers are characterizing such action as a temporary “furlough.” Others are framing such action as a “lay off” for the time being, until the calamity passes. Yet, for […]
WORKPLACE SAFETY NETS
The Coronavirus Outbreak and California Unemployment Benefits The evolving COVID-19 crisis is driving many employers to the difficult decisions of reducing hours or laying off employees. California has in turn relaxed the unemployment insurance (UI) access and qualification standards significantly. This includes the governor’s elimination of the usual seven-day waiting period upon application. Further, if […]
INFECTION PROTECTION
Ignorance is No Bliss What Employers Can Ask in a Pandemic Through the confusion raging around the state-to-state spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) comes at least one federal agency seemingly prepared to effectively guide employers and employees alike to detect, correct, and ultimately protect. Out of the 2009 “H1N1” pandemic, the Equal Employment Opportunity […]
FEDERAL CORONAVIRUS WORKPLACE RELIEF
New Paid Sick Leave, Family Leave and Tax Credits Effective April 2, 2020 On March 18, President Trump approved several coronavirus emergency measures for employees and employers, portions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Act). Two sections enhance worker leave (or “furlough”) benefits. The Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (PSL Act) provides a new nationwide […]
HOLDING FIRM
As a close observer of the 2014-2015 Ebola outbreak from my West African work, the most precious commodity in the current pandemic is knowledge. Please consider this eight-minute COVID-19 video for a concrete understanding of the actual challenge we all face and the simple actions necessary to place this ordeal firmly in the rear view […]
TELECOMMUTING IN RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK
Employers are taking various steps to help offset the economic repercussions of the Coronavirus pandemic, such as providing employees with the use of paid sick leave, paid vacation time, and telecommuting. A well-written telecommuting policy permits managers and rank-and-file workers alike to know where they stand. It should minimally address these points: Identifying the equipment […]