The Department of Labor announced new action regarding how U.S. workers and employers will benefit from the protections and relief offered by the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act, which are part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. DOL’s Wage and Hour Division posted a temporary rule issuing regulations pursuant to this new law, which took effect April 1. View the temporary rule.
FFCRA helps the U.S. combat the workplace effects of COVID-19 by reimbursing U.S. private employers that have fewer than 500 employees with tax credits for the cost of providing employees with paid leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. The law enables employers to keep their workers on their payrolls while ensuring workers are not forced to choose between their paychecks and the public health measures needed to combat the virus. WHD administers the paid leave portions of the FFCRA.
“With so many workers and so many employers struggling with the effects of these unprecedented conditions, this rule provides answers and relief,” said WHD Administrator Cheryl Stanton. “We remain committed to providing the information and tools required for employees and employers alike to be fully informed about their rights and protections under this new law.”
WHD will post a recorded webinar April 3 to provide interested parties with a more in-depth description and help them learn more about the FFCRA.
To view the webinar and for additional information, visit www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic.
