COVID-19 Paid Leave Laws Update

We hope you and your family are doing well considering the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid all the issues employers must manage during this pandemic, the government enacted new federal laws that apply to companies with fewer than 500 employees and government agencies. 

The new Emergency FMLA and Paid Sick Leave laws are now in effect as of April 1, 2020. The government is providing employers with a grace* period until April 17, but to assist your company in complying with these new laws, we will conduct a concise, practical 35-minute webinar (see details below) and cover the recent barrage of guidance and recommendations that the DOL and IRS have provided. You can submit your questions during the registration process. Additionally, attendees will receive a copy of the PowerPoint that can serve as a fact sheet and reference for future compliance. 

How to Manage the New COVID-19 Paid Leave Laws (Part 2)

Wednesday, April 8, 2020 | 12:00 p.m. (CST) – Q&A to follow

Presented by: Danny Ramirez

Register at: https://bit.ly/2X6DgDz 

Some of the topics we will cover include:

• A summary of the new laws.
• The most common questions and issues that have arisen.
• How can a company take advantage of the April 17, 2020 grace period?
• Does a “shelter in place” order trigger paid sick leave?
• What documentation can I request when an employee requests leave or sick pay?
• Are both parents eligible for paid sick leave and eFMLA leave?
• What if an employee has already taken FMLA leave this year?

*Even though the government has provided employers with a “grace period” until April 17, 2020, employers must make reasonable, good faith efforts to comply with the new laws during the interim. 

If you have any questions, please call or email one of our labor and employment partners:

Jacob M. Monty, Managing Partner

Cell: 281.734.5356

Email: [email protected]

Daniel N. Ramirez, Partner

Cell: 713.922.6264

Email: [email protected]

Ruth M. Willars, Partner

Cell: 832.721.0800

Email: [email protected]

Thank you, and we hope you stay healthy.