New York State COVID-19 Paid Leave Law Remains in Effect

As we are all aware, New York State issued an order implementing the New York State COVID-19 Leave Law, providing job-protected leave for employees who are subject to a mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19.  While the pandemic seems like a thing of the past, the New York State COVID-19 […]

New York State Paid Family Leave Updates for 2024

As you are aware, New York State Paid Family Leave was implemented in 2018 and provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of job protected, paid time off to bond with a new child, care for a family member with a serious health condition, or to assist loved ones when a family member is […]

New York City Amends Safe and Sick Time Regulations

Recently, the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (“Department”) issued a Final Rule amending the Earned Safe and Sick Time Act (“ESSTA”) regulations to align with the statutory amendments made by the 2020 New York State Paid Sick Leave Law. The rule amendments also provide additional clarification for employers about their compliance […]

Compliance with Leave Laws

Coordinating employee leaves under the various leave laws can prove to be a challenge for employers. To ensure compliance, employers should familiarize themselves with the requirements for all applicable leave laws and establish policies and procedures for handling employee leave requests.  Importantly, employers should administer those policies and procedures in a consistent and nondiscriminatory manner, in […]

New Legislation Expands New York State Paid Family Leave

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill that expands New York State’s Paid Family Leave legislation to allow caring for siblings. Paid Family Leave has been in effect since 2018 and is employee-paid insurance that provides paid time off to care for a newborn, bond with adopted or foster children, care for a family member with […]

The American Rescue Plan Extends and Modifies the FFCRA

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“the Rescue Plan”). Employers should be aware of the key employment provisions of the Rescue Plan in managing their workforce and in evaluating and implementing their COVID-19 workplace policies and procedures. Notably, the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package includes provisions extending […]

President Biden Signs $1.9 Trillion COVID-19 Relief Bill: Important Updates for Employers

On March 11, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“the American Rescue Plan Act” or “the Act”). The $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package will provide continued economic relief to individuals and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The following is a summary of the key employment provisions included in the Rescue […]

COVID-19 Issues in the Workplace: Changes, Challenges and Tips

The COVID-19 global pandemic has led to rapid and significant changes for employers across every industry. There continue to be immediate critical decisions that need to be made as well as those for which you need to plan to ensure long-term success. The requirements and legislative changes seem to be ever evolving and employers must […]

Telemedicine Visits Qualify for Leave under the FMLA

On December 29, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) issued a Field Assistance Bulletin addressing Telemedicine and Serious Health Conditions under the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”). The guidance reflects an evolving workplace landscape in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to promote social distancing while also ensuring the availability of […]