Information Overload!
We realize that everyone is being inundated with emails regarding all the COVID-19 pandemic action plans, legislation, guidance for the legislation, webinars to discuss legislation, and the list goes on – we share your pain and are aware that we’ve sent updates ourselves at a furious pace in recent days. We are in uncharted territory and things seem to be changing by the hour. Our intent is to keep you updated as best as possible and ensure you have the information you need to make important decisions that affect your business and your employees. During these tumultuous and turbulent times, our preference is to provide more information rather than not enough. Please remember that we are here to help and will do our best to assist you with any questions or concerns that you may have: compliance_services@thelarkincompany.com.
Our newsletters are also available on our LinkedIn page.
Model Notice Published – Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
The Department of Labor (DOL) has released a model notice for employers – the FFCRA requires that each employer post a notice of the requirements of this Act in a conspicuous place on the premises where notices to employees are customarily kept. Our assumption is that this notice may be posted to your intranet and/or emailed directly to your employees.
Useful Information
So much is out there regarding unemployment, working from home, shelter-in-place orders, and so on and so forth. We’ve compiled a few helpful links below for you. If you have questions about what other states/government entities may be doing, please reach out to us, and we will be more than happy to assist.
Department of Labor (DOL): Guidance regarding COVID-19, FFCRA, FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA):
FFCRA Questions and Answers
Employee Expanded Family and Medical Leave Rights
Employer Expanded Family and Medical Leave Requirements
COVID-19 and the FLSA Questions and Answers
COVID-19 and the FMLA Questions and Answers
The DOL is hosting a national online dialogue where employers and employees can provide feedback, comments and ideas regarding the development of further guidance, resources and tools to assist employers and employees in further understanding the FFCRA. Input is due by March 29, 2020. You can go here to participate.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): ADA and COVID-19 FAQs
State/City Specific:
California: EDD COVID-19 Guidance and FAQs
San Francisco: Updated guidance (supersedes March 16, 2020 guidance)
New Jersey: Benefit Guide (printable guide outlining COVID-19-related benefits for NJ employees)
New York: New Paid Leave for COVID-19
Rhode Island: COVID-19 Workplace Fact Sheet
Washington: COVID-19 guidance including Benefit Guide and FAQs
Canada
Canada is hoping to stay on “top” by enacting legislation to assist Canadian workers with COVID-19-related leaves of absence and income replacement benefits. Just about every province is in the mix and we are working hard compiling a comprehensive list of information for you which will be available over the coming days (there is too much information to fit in a newsletter!). If you have any Canada-specific questions, please reach out to our Canada team at larkin_canada@thelarkincompany.com.
