The 2019 novel coronavirus continues to evolve and has been officially named COVID-19 by the World Health Organization replacing the previous 2019-nCoV designation. There are now over 46,000 confirmed cases across the globe, with the vast majority in mainland China, and 15 confirmed cases in the U.S. Many details about the virus are unknown
Francis P. Alvarez
Francis P. (Frank) Alvarez is a principal in the White Plains, New York, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. He is the founder and co-leader of the firm's Disability, Leave and Health Management (DLHM) practice group.
Travel Restrictions, New Facts on Coronavirus Should be Continually Monitored by Employers
The outbreak of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China continues to raise not only health concerns, but issues for employers and employees. Information about the virus continues to evolve. After the World Health Organization declared a Public Health Emergency due to the 2019-nCoV, the Trump Administration announced that, as of…
Coronavirus Concerns in the Workplace
News of an outbreak of a new coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China raises issues for employers and employees about the appropriate workplace responses. Many employers are seeking guidance on how best to respond to workplace concerns, especially those with employees engaged in international travel, as well as employers in the healthcare, airline,…
New York State May Be the First to Pass a New Paid Leave Law in 2020
In yesterday’s State of the State, Governor Andrew Cuomo proposed legislation that would require private employers to provide sick leave to their workers. Under his proposal, employers with five to 99 employees would be required to provide at least five days of job-protected paid sick leave per year and employers with 100 or more employees…
Connecticut Paid Family and Medical Leave Passes House; To Governor for Signature
Late Friday, the Connecticut House passed a paid family and medical leave bill, which Governor Ned Lamont said he will sign, to provide paid leave to eligible employees and significantly expand employee eligibility and covered reasons for leave. The major practical effects of the bill, once signed, are:
- Making 12 weeks of paid leave,
…
Connecticut Paid Family and Medical Leave: Senate Passes Bill, which Governor Vows to Veto in Current Form
Connecticut employers and employees are focused on Hartford, where last night the Senate passed a paid family and medical leave bill. Governor Ned Lamont said yesterday he would veto the bill. While Governor Lamont supports paid family and medical leave, he said he disagrees with the state-administered system outlined in the bill and wants to…
What Employers Can Do Right Now To Prepare For Westchester County’s Earned Sick Leave Law
Companies should begin preparing now for the new Westchester County Earned Sick Leave Law (“WCESLL”), which becomes effective on April 10, 2019. Here are five steps to get employers started.
1. Determine Whether Your Company Must Provide Employees More Paid Time Or Expand The Reasons Employees Can Use Paid Time Benefits.
Employers should confirm they…
Federal Court Simultaneously Rejects and Upholds EEOC’s Positions on Wellness Programs – Rejects Employer’s ADA “Safe Harbor” Defense
In a much anticipated decision, a Wisconsin federal district court has granted Orion Energy Systems, Inc.’s summary judgment on the EEOC’s challenge to its wellness program design. See Sept 19, 2016 Decision and Order. While largely good news for Orion, the ruling creates even more confusion for employers seeking clarity on wellness program design principles. …
Leave Sharing Programs and Other Steps Employers Can Take to Assist Employees Affected by Hurricane Sandy
When tragic events like Hurricane Sandy occur, many companies try to find ways to assist affected individuals, including the company’s employees and their families. "Leave sharing" programs, in which employees donate paid leave to other employees who need to miss work due to the storm or disaster, often become popular. Many companies are surprised to learn that there…
No ADA Protection for Medical Marijuana Users
The Ninth Circuit ruled today in James v. City of Costa Mesa, that the Americans with Disabilities Act does not protect medical marijuana users who claim they are subject to discrimination on the basis of their marijuana use. The Court concluded that doctor-recommended marijuana use permitted by state law, but prohibited by federal law, is…