On May 12, 2020, the IRS issued optional relief for participants in cafeteria plans, health Flexible Spending Account (FSA) plans, and Dependent Care Assistance FSA plans. Less than two weeks ago, the IRS and the… Read more
Recent Posts
How to Reopen Your Business in 12 Steps (Coronavirus and the Law)
We’re several months into the COVID-19 pandemic and demand is mounting to reopen workplaces. No modern employer has faced quite this situation, so you’re not alone. Rates of infection, hospitalization, and deaths vary from place… Read more
COVID-19 Employment Lawsuits Are Already Brewing (Coronavirus and the Law)
Employers across the country already are being sued by current and former employees as a result of COVID-19. These lawsuits come from many angles including paid leave requirements, disability accommodations, and concerns over workplace safety…. Read more
CDC and OSHA Interim Guidance for Meat and Poultry Processing Workers A Roadmap For All Industries
The CDC and OSHA released a COVID-19 related interim guidance for meatpacking and meat processing workers on April 26, 2020. While industry-specific in some details, it is an excellent guide for any facility particularly one… Read more
COVID-19 and Virginia Workers’ Compensation (Coronavirus and the Law)
Presently, there is no case law in Virginia that specifically addresses pandemic viruses as occupational diseases and workers’ compensation benefits. However, by definition pandemics are a widespread contagion. Therefore, it is likely that COVID-19 claims… Read more
Virginia Values Act Provides New Protections for LGBT Residents and Workers
The 2020 Virginia General Assembly session ushered in a new era for labor and employment law in the Commonwealth. On April 11, 2020, Governor Northam signed the Virginia Values Act (S.B. 868) into law, creating… Read more
OSHA Instructs Discretion in Issuing Citations During COVID-19 Pandemic (Coronavirus and the Law)
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, OSHA understands some employers may face difficulties complying with the multitude of OSHA standards. OSHA Memorandum In the April 16, 2020 Enforcement Memorandum, OSHA acknowledges the widespread business closures,… Read more
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… Read more
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… Read more
Six Steps to Take if an Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19 (Coronavirus and the Law)
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… Read more