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Mar 24 2020
COVID-19

Governments issue “shelter-in-place” orders

The states of California, Oregon, and Washington, along with several individual counties and cities, have issued “shelter-in-place” orders in the past few days to combat the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). While each of these orders is slightly different, the general purpose is the same: a governmental authority is implementing an order to restrict the movement…

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Mar 24 2020
COVID-19Employee ClassificationsWage and Hour

Q&A: Know pros/cons of reclassifying exempt workers to cut costs

Question: Our company is facing financial difficulty, so we’re considering reclassifying some salaried exempt workers as hourly nonexempt workers to cut down on payroll hours. Is that a good idea? Answer: Maybe, but reclassifying workers can have unintended negative consequences. Unfortunately, many companies are scrambling for ways to save money right now. Some employers are…

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Mar 24 2020
COVID-19Leave LawsWashington

WASHINGTON: Seattle expands Paid Sick and Safe Time

On March 16, 2020, the Seattle City Council passed an amendment to Seattle’s Paid Sick and Paid Safe Time (PSST) law which expands the available reasons for leave, inspired by caregiver shortages and workplace closures caused by COVID-19 (coronavirus). The amendment became effective immediately on March 16, 2020, with no expiration date.   The amendment…

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Mar 24 2020
COVID-19Labor Relations

NLRB suspends elections, closes some offices in response to COVID-19

The National Labor Relations Board has temporarily suspended union representation elections until April 3, 2020. In an announcement on March 19, 2020, the Board said the temporary suspension was necessary to protect the health of its own employees and members of the public involved in elections. Also, the Board said it can’t effectively conduct elections…

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Mar 24 2020
COVID-19Safety and HealthWashington

WASHINGTON: State recommends screening employees and visitors

The Washington Department of Health (DOH) recently released guidance recommending that all employers in the state conduct daily health screening of employees and visitors for symptoms of COVID-19 (coronavirus). The screening protocol suggests asking all employees and visitors a series of five specific “yes” or “no” questions before entering the premises or starting their shift…

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Mar 24 2020
COVID-19Hiring

Remote inspection of Form I-9 allowed during COVID-19 emergency

The federal Department of Homeland Security has relaxed the standard regarding the need to physically inspect a new employee’s employment eligibility documents when filling out Form I-9, if the employer is unable to do so during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) national emergency (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Press Release, March 20, 2020). When completing the…

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Mar 24 2020
COVID-19Leave Laws

Q&A: New federal leave related to COVID-19 doesn’t apply to layoffs

Question: If we have to shut down our business because of a government mandate related to COVID-19, will our workers be eligible for the new federal emergency paid sick leave and paid emergency family and medical leave? Answer: Probably not, based on the text of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), although we’re still…

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Mar 24 2020
COVID-19Leave Laws

Reminder: Not all workers get new federal leave

Employers with 500 or more workers companywide may want to communicate to their workers that the recently-passed Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) may not apply to them. As we previously reported, the FFCRA will allow eligible workers to take paid sick leave and/or family leave for certain COVID-19 (coronavirus)-related reasons starting April 1, 2020….

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Mar 23 2020
COVID-19

A message from Vigilant President/CEO

In light of the current pandemic and its impact on your companies, your employees and their families, and the communities you represent, it seems inappropriate for Vigilant to continue sending and posting content that is peripheral to the highest priority of helping you navigate this crisis well and take care of your employees. As such,…

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Mar 21 2020
COVID-19Employee BenefitsLeave Laws

COVID-19: Q&A’s with our Vigilant Law Group employment attorneys

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 keeping them safe. We…

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Mar 20 2020
COVID-19Employee BenefitsLeave Laws

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 keeping them safe. We previously provided answers to some of the most-asked questions…

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Mar 19 2020
COVID-19Employee BenefitsHarassment & Discrimination

ALERT: New federal law provides paid leave for COVID-19 absences

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 expands the federal Family…

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