New CDC Guidance Requires Informed Consent for Workplace COVID-19 Testing
On January 21, 2021, the United States Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) issued new guidance for non-healthcare employers who conduct workplace COVID-19 testing. The CDC states that while testing for COVID-19 may be incorporated as part of a comprehensive approach to reducing transmission in non-healthcare workplaces, the testing should not be conducted without employees’ informed […]
New York Issues Guidance on COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave Law Significantly Impacting Employers
On January 20, 2021, the New York Department of Labor (“NY DOL”) issued new guidance on the New York COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave Law that purports to clarify the leave and benefits available to employees. As you are aware, the law provides paid and unpaid sick leave with access to expanded paid family leave and […]
President Biden Issues Executive Orders Supporting COVID-19 Safety Protections for Workers
On Thursday, January 21, 2021, President Biden directed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) to issue revised guidance for employers regarding COVID-19 safety protections for workers within two weeks. In the Executive Order on Protecting Worker Health and Safety, the President instructed the agency to increase enforcement of existing rules to help reduce the […]
Telemedicine Visits Qualify for Leave under the FMLA
On December 29, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) issued a Field Assistance Bulletin addressing Telemedicine and Serious Health Conditions under the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”). The guidance reflects an evolving workplace landscape in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to promote social distancing while also ensuring the availability of […]
COVID-19 Relief Bill Allows Employers to Voluntarily Extend FFCRA Leave and Claim Tax Credits Through March 31, 2021
On December 21, 2020, Congress passed a large appropriations bill containing $900B in COVID relief. President Trump signed the bill on December 27, 2020. The bill extends tax credits for eligible employers who voluntarily choose to allow employees to take leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) through March 31, 2021. As we […]
Prepare Now for New York State Minimum Wage and Salary Threshold Updates
Effective December 31, 2020, the minimum wage for non-exempt employees will increase in NewYork. The following reflects the new minimum wage, effective December 31, 2020, for all employees in New York (with the exception of fast food workers): Location 12/31/19 12/31/20 12/31/21 NYC – Large Employers (of 11 or more) $15.00 $15.00 NYC – Small […]