Jasmine Ramirez

Employment rights during COVID-19 The novel coronavirus has changed the world: from wearing masks, socially distancing, emphasizing hand washing, sanitation and more. COVID-19 has impacted and caused changes to a person’s rights in the workplace. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division has made changes to regulations for paid sick leave and increased family and medical leave within the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The revisions give the department of labor the ability to enforce important legal protections for workers across the country. What do these revisions do? The new revisions from the department of labor give more explanation for the requirement allowing an employee to take FFCRA leave. It only applies if work would otherwise be available. “Healthcare provider” is now defined to include only employees who meet the definition under the Family and Medical Leave Act or work to give diagnostic services, preventative treatments or other services to help care for a patient. Employees must give documentation to their employer showing their need for leave How does the FFCRA help small businesses? The FFCRA offers tax credits to American businesses with fewer than 500 employee to help alleviate workplace impacts of COVID, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division. Employers can then give paid leave that’s reimbursed with tax credits. It also makes sure workers don’t have pick between getting paid and health measures put into place to fight COVID-19. There’s an online form on the department’s website to find out if you’re eligible for the FFCRA. The tool can determine if you can receive paid sick leave or paid expanded family and medical leave. Wanting to learn more about your employee rights during the age of COVID-19. What can you expect when filing for unemployment? According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the Employment and Training Administration out out new guidance for a state’s flexibility in administering unemployment insurance for people impacted by COVID. States are given significant flexibility to change their laws to provide unemployment insurance dependent on several scenarios. - If an employer temporarily stops operating due to the virus which halts the employee from returning to work - A person is quarantined (expected to go back to the workplace after quarantine ends) - A person leaves work due to a risk of exposure or infection or to care for a family member Find a lawyer you can rely on Contact Marble Law to get connected with one of our knowledgable team members. We look forward to talking with you through this challenging and sometimes confusing process. Our legal expertise will help you feel comfortable as we help you through your legal needs.