Unemployment Qualifications and Benefits Under the CARES Act (Coronavirus and the Law)

On the subject of unemployment insurance benefits (UIB), the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act accomplishes three objectives: Increasing the amount of UI paid to individuals already covered under state or federal unemployment laws. Extending coverage for an… Read more

April 15, 2020 | COVID-19 Legal Updates | Labor & Employment

The Virginia Values Act: Details of the Comprehensive LGBT Anti-Discrimination Law Recently Passed in Virginia

On April 11, 2020, Governor Northam signed into law the Virginia Values Act, which goes into effect on July 1, 2020. The Virginia Values Act provides comprehensive protection against discrimination for LGBTQ+ persons and other designated persons. The Virginia Values… Read more

April 15, 2020 | Labor & Employment

New Temporary Regulations Entitle Employees to Keep Group Healthcare Benefits During COVID-19 Leave (Coronavirus and the Law)

The Department of Labor issued temporary regulations describing the requirements for group health plan coverage of employees who take leave under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA) or Expanded Family and Medical Leave Act (EFMLA). These acts are separate… Read more

April 14, 2020 | COVID-19 Legal Updates | Employee Benefits & Compensation | Labor & Employment | Tax

Six Steps to Take if an Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19 (Coronavirus and the Law)

By Victor O. Cardwell, Thomas M. Winn III, Leah M. Stiegler

Last updated May 7, 2020. Maintaining a safe workplace while keeping workplace anxiety to a minimum is a real challenge right now, made worse by the abundance of rumors, myths, and urban legends circulating through social media. When you add… Read more

April 14, 2020 | COVID-19 Legal Updates | Labor & Employment

Letting Employees Go – Is it a Furlough or Layoff, and Does it Matter? (Coronavirus and the Law)

By King F. Tower

The only constant we have experienced during this pandemic is uncertainty. An unfortunate reality for any employer is there may come a time when you may need to let some workers go to accommodate business needs. When you reach this… Read more

April 10, 2020 | COVID-19 Legal Updates | Labor & Employment

Following OSHA’s General Duty Clause During the Pandemic (Coronavirus and the Law)

As the number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases continues to grow in the United States, employers should be aware of their legal obligations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (“OSH Act”). Employers that fail to comply with OSHA’s… Read more

April 7, 2020 | COVID-19 Legal Updates | Labor & Employment | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Additional Guidance on COVID-19 Emergency Leave – DOL Issues Temporary Rule (Coronavirus and the Law)

By R. Patrick Bolling, Leah M. Stiegler

On April 1, 2020, the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor issued a temporary rule that provided some much-needed guidance for Americans wading through the twists and turns of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and its… Read more

April 6, 2020 | COVID-19 Legal Updates | Labor & Employment

DOL and IRS Issue Guidance on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) Paid Leave

By Anne G. Bibeau

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued formal guidance on the application of the FFCRA paid leave on April 1, 2020, the same date that the paid leave requirements went into effect. The previous evening, on March 31, 2020, the… Read more

April 1, 2020 | COVID-19 Task Force | Labor & Employment

The CARES Act — What the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) Means for Businesses

By Ray W. King

After a week of negotiations, Congress has come to an agreement on the text of a $2 Trillion dollar relief law. The CARES Act (the “Act”) promises aid to individual Americans, small businesses, hospitals, and large corporations. The President signed… Read more

March 29, 2020 | COVID-19 Task Force | Labor & Employment

Clarifying Employee Leave – DOL Issues March 27 Guidance on FFCRA (Coronavirus and the Law)

By Leah M. Stiegler, R. Patrick Bolling

March 27, 2020: Department of Labor published updated FAQs for the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The Department of Labor (DOL) issued a set of FAQs for employers to consider when interpreting their obligations under the Families First Coronavirus Response… Read more

March 27, 2020 | COVID-19 Legal Updates | Labor & Employment

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