Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) announced a “new action” regarding the protections and relief available under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act, both part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”). The Department’s Wage and Hour Division “posted a temporary rule issuing regulations pursuant to the new law, effective April 1, 2020,” available here.
FFCRA requires all private employers with less than 500 employees (subject to exemptions) to provide up to 80 hours (or 10 days) of paid sick leave for a “qualifying reason” related to COVID-19. In exchange, employers will receive a “tax credit” for the cost. According to the DOL, “[t]he legislation will ensure that workers are not forced to choose between their paychecks and the public health measures needed to combat the virus, while at the same time reimbursing businesses.”
For any questions regarding your obligations under FFCRA, please feel free to contact any member in our Labor and Employment Practice Group.