U.S. Federal Updates
American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
President Biden’s plan to help the nation recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and assist those in need has passed the House of Representatives and heads to the Senate. You can read the bill here. We’ll keep you updated on its progress and how it may impact you and your employees if it makes it through the Senate and then to the President for signature.
Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)
Engaging employees in the interactive discussion when it comes to disability and accommodations is of increasing importance. In mid-February, the PWFA was reintroduced in the House of Representatives (click here to review one of our October newsletters with more details about the law) or check out this fact sheet.
As a reminder, The Larkin Company provides ADA Compliance and Accommodations Management as an additional service. We help document the process and provide you with what you need to make an informed decision. If you are interested in this service, please reach out to your Account Manager and we will be more than happy to help.
U.S. State Updates
California
City of San Francisco – Public Health Emergency Leave Ordinance (PHELO)
The PHELO extension has been signed by Mayor Breed and will expire on April 12, 2021 unless extended further. You can find updated FAQs here.
Labor & Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) and Department of Industrial Relations (DIR)
A new website has been created combining the various COVID-19 resources of the LWDA and DIR available to employers and employees. The site includes an outreach toolkit, training videos, symptoms and testing information, and much more. A portal is available where California employers can find up-to-date state and local county COVID-19 guidance by business industry. You can explore the site here.
Canada Federal Updates
The Canada Recovery Benefits Act has enhanced the three temporary recovery benefits available for Canadians who are unable to work for certain reasons related to COVID-19. Applications will now be accepted for these benefits from September 27, 2020 until September 25, 2021. Additionally, the duration of the benefits has increased. A summary of each benefit is below:
- Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
- $500 per week for up to 38 weeks (previously 26 weeks) per household.
- The benefit applies when workers are unable to work for at least 50% of the week, resulting from the need to care for:
- a child under age 12 or a family member, whose school, day-care or care facility has closed due to COVID-19.
- a child or family member who is sick and/or is required to quarantine due to COVID-19.
- This benefit is a weekly benefit and eligible individuals must reapply each week.
- Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
- $500 per week for up to 4 weeks (previously 2 weeks).
- The benefit applies when workers are unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they:
- contracted COVID-19,
- self-isolated due to COVID-19, or
- have underlying conditions, are undergoing treatments, or contracted other sicknesses that, in the opinion of a valid medical provider, person in authority, or a government or public health authority, would make them more susceptible to COVID-19.
- This benefit is a weekly benefit and eligible individuals must reapply each week.
- Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)
- $500 per week for up to 38 weeks (previously 26 weeks) if a worker has stopped working and they are not eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) or had their income reduced by at least 50% due to COVID-19.
- The benefit will be paid in two-week periods.
