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Aug 20 2020
COVID-19Hiring

Q&A: Expired List B documents temporarily okay for Form I-9

Question: Can we accept an expired driver’s license for the Form I-9 during this COVID-19 pandemic? Answer: Yes, at least for now, if the license expired on or after March 1, 2020. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has a temporary policy in place during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic allowing employers to accept List B…

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Aug 06 2020
COVID-19Employee BenefitsSafety and Health

WASHINGTON: Governor updates protections for high-risk workers

Washington Governor Jay Inslee has further extended employment protections for medically vulnerable workers for as long as the current state of emergency lasts due to COVID-19 (coronavirus). In addition, the new proclamation (20-46.2) and accompanying guidance memo clarify who is protected and change the circumstances under which employers may request medical verification from these workers….

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Aug 06 2020
COVID-19Leave Laws

Federal court invalidates certain FFCRA rules

On August 3, 2020, a federal court in New York threw out a handful of key Department of Labor (DOL) rules for implementing the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). As we’ve previously reported, the FFCRA provides emergency sick leave and family and medical leave to employees who are unable to work for reasons related…

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Aug 06 2020
COVID-19DisabilityLeave Laws

DOL expands FMLA COVID-19 FAQs

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently added questions #12-13 to its frequently asked questions about administering the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in light of COVID-19 (coronavirus). The FMLA provides protected leave when an employee is unable to work due to their own or a family member’s serious health condition. A “serious health…

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Aug 06 2020
COVID-19Leave Laws

Consider implications of schools reopening

With fall just around the corner, and schools making last-minute decisions about how the coming school year will look, you should consider how to handle concerns from employees who may be juggling at-home childcare and school responsibilities with their work obligations. Some schools have announced they will operate entirely remotely when the school year begins….

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Aug 06 2020
COVID-19WashingtonWorkers’ Comp

WASHINGTON: L&I extends workers’ comp premium relief

The Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) is extending its deadline for cash-strapped employers to pay workers’ compensation premiums during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. As we previously reported, L&I established an Employer Assistance Program (EAP) to assist financially distressed businesses with 90-day grace periods or payment plans for workers’ compensation premiums, free of penalties…

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Aug 06 2020
Labor RelationsQ&A

Q&A: Untangle abusive employee conduct and protected activity

Question: One of our employees posted an abusive and profane message about their supervisor on social media, complaining to coworkers about pay and working conditions. Can we discipline this employee? Answer: Maybe, if you would discipline other employees for using such language at work. The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) protects employees who band together…

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Jul 23 2020
COVID-19CaliforniaSafety and Health

CALIFORNIA: Governor rolls back reopening

In response to the sharp rise in COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases and hospitalizations, California Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered a statewide closure of some indoor businesses and county-specific restrictions on others. Affected statewide industries include indoor operations of dine-in restaurants, wineries and tasting rooms, movie theaters, family entertainment centers, zoos, museums, and cardrooms. Bars and brewpubs…

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Jul 23 2020
COVID-19Safety and Health

OSHA: Report work-related COVID-19 inpatient hospitalizations

According to recently updated guidance from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers must report (not just record) any worker’s inpatient hospitalization for care or treatment of a confirmed, work-related case of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Generally, federal regulations require employers to report inpatient hospitalizations for work-related illnesses within 24 hours of (1) the incident/exposure…

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Jul 23 2020
COVID-19Wage and HourWashington

WASHINGTON Q&A: Process wage garnishments as usual

Question: I just read that Governor Inslee extended the moratorium on garnishments in Washington. I thought you said the moratorium ended on May 27, 2020, for wage withholding. Which is right? Answer: As we previously reported, the governor’s moratorium on garnishment of wages for consumer debt did indeed end on May 27, 2020. This means…

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Jul 23 2020
COVID-19Leave Laws

DOL again updates FFCRA paid leave FAQs

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has updated its frequently asked questions on paid leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The DOL added questions #94 to 97. As we initially reported in March, the FFCRA applies to employers with fewer than 500 employees within the United States. These new FAQs address COVID-19…

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Jul 23 2020
COVID-19Safety and Health

CDC updates COVID-19 symptoms and return to work guidance

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to make significant changes in its recommendations regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus) as new information becomes available. The list of possible COVID-19 symptoms has been updated to include congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. We previously reported on the agency’s expanded list of symptoms in…

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