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 … Read more

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 … Read more

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 … Read more

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 … Read more

New York State WARN Act Amended to Expand List of Entities that Must Receive Notice

On November 11, 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation which amends the New York State Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (“NY WARN Act”) by expanding the list of governmental entities that must receive advance notice of a WARN-triggering event.  As you may be aware, the NY WARN Act requires covered businesses to provide 90 days … Read more

Mayor de Blasio Signs into Law Significant Amendments to the New York City Earned Safe and Sick Time Act

On September 28, 2020, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio signed a bill into law significantly amending the New York City Earned Safe and Sick Time Act (“NYC ESSTA”). The new law was enacted to better align with New York State’s new paid sick leave law (“NYS Paid Sick Leave Law”) and make the … Read more