Articles and Blogs

As employers and employees continue to grapple with the spread of COVID-19, an employer‑sponsored leave-sharing program can be a good tool to help alleviate the strain on employee populations that encounter circumstances where they need time away from work. If structured and administered properly, certain leave-sharing arrangements allow employees to donate PTO, medical leave... READ MORE

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (“DWD”) is urging individuals seeking unemployment benefits to apply online at the DWD website before calling due to an extreme influx of unemployment applications. The DWD, which closed all offices across the state to the public in an effort to help contain the spread of COVID-19 and follow... READ MORE

The U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) released several documents regarding the recently passed Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”). It includes fact sheets and two Questions and Answer documents. Our article from March 19, 2020, found here, outlines the key employee rights and employer responsibilities from two of the acts within the FFCRA –... READ MORE

In an effort to promote social distancing to protect Hoosier health and safety and contain COVID-19, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (“Indiana DWD”) announced on Monday, March 23, 2020, that all of its statewide offices will be closed to the public until further notice. Individuals seeking unemployment benefits must now apply online at... READ MORE

This week the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) issued new guidance on how to adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and the Rehabilitation Act amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As we discussed here and reiterated in the new EEOC guidance, the ADA and Rehabilitation Act do not interfere with employers following the Centers... READ MORE

On Wednesday, March 18, 2020, President Trump signed the Emergency Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) into law. Among other things, the new law creates the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act and the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act, each of which creates excused time off and paid leave for certain employees dealing... READ MORE

Citing special circumstances in the national interest, the Office for Federal Contract Compliance Programs (“OFCCP”) has granted a temporary exemption and waiver of federal affirmative action obligations under certain federal contracts. The exemption and waiver applies only to federal contracts entered into between March 17, 2020 and June 17, 2020 for the specific purpose... READ MORE

Updated on 3/17/2020 As we constantly monitor Washington for information relevant to healthcare employers, we have learned that “fluid” is an understatement. In the few hours that it takes to read, digest and summarize acts of Congress for you, the bills have been revised, sometimes dramatically. Accordingly, until the president has signed the FMLA... READ MORE

Employers and employees alike are concerned about many aspects of how COVID-19 will impact their lives. One concern is how to pay for testing and treatment. The first indications of the way forward have come to light. State Insurance Regulators Act At least three states have directed insurance carriers to waive all health plan... READ MORE

Updated on 3/16/2020 With concerns over the spread of a novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”), hospitals and health care providers face a unique situation as employers and care providers. As a result, health care employers will need to navigate a variety of legal obligations in preparing for and responding to potential COVID-19 cases, as well as... READ MORE