The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has established April 1, 2020, as the effective date of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The law stated that it would “take effect not later than 15 days after the date of enactment,” which would mean April 2, 2020, at the latest. Apparently the DOL…
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Employer questions continue as federal and state restrictions increase In recent days, the number of confirmed COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases has dramatically increased, as have government-imposed restrictions to contain its spread. Not surprisingly, the rapid changes have caused great concern among employers that are trying to keep their workers employed while also…
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In recent days, the number of confirmed COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases has dramatically increased, as have government-imposed restrictions to contain its spread. Not surprisingly, the rapid changes have caused great concern among employers that are trying to keep their workers employed while also keeping them safe. We previously provided answers to…
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Alert: New federal law provides paid leave for COVID-19 absences President Trump has signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, an economic stimulus package that offers employees certain emergency protections for absences related to the coronavirus (COVID-19). This new law will have a major impact on employers throughout 2020, as it…
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January 1, 2020, the date your employees will be able to apply for Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (WPFML) benefits, is right around the corner. Here’s an update on where things stand and a reminder about our resources: Rulemaking: The Washington Employment Security Department (ESD) has completed its rulemaking (click the…
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One of our Vigilant members has implemented a best practice that we think is worth sharing: annual check-ins with employees who are receiving workplace accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Annual Check-In: What’s Involved The company sends the employee a letter each year, reviewing what accommodations have been made and asking: (1)…
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Question: We have a “no fault” attendance policy which assigns points for absences, tardies, and early departures. Employees are disciplined and eventually terminated if they reach a certain number of points. We know we have to allow exceptions for legally protected time off, but what if it’s unclear whether an absence is protected?
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A pilot who would have qualified for a higher pay grade had he not been on military leave should have received a bonus upon his return at the rate for the higher pay grade, ruled the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The pilot (a union member) was selected by his…
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Question: We are a family friendly company and would like to offer 2 weeks of paid leave to new fathers and 6 weeks of paid leave to new mothers. Are we allowed to do this?
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Nine Oregon counties have successfully sued the state, claiming that the Oregon sick leave requirements, which took effect on January 1, 2016, create an unfunded mandate and therefore violate the state constitution. This means that unless the state appeals the decision, the counties who brought the lawsuit don’t have to provide paid…
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