Protecting Employers Since 1985

Covid-19 and Refusal to Work

By Richard H. Wessels / April 2, 2020

We are receiving phone calls with increasing regularity asking about a variety of issues generally described as refusals to work. Most frequently these scenarios involve talk, but sometimes outright threats to walk off the job. There are a whole host of fact patterns here which impact a legal analysis. Is there a union contract? Is…

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DOL Rolls Out Regulations Implementing FFCRA Obligations

By Alan E. Seneczko / April 1, 2020

Earlier this afternoon, the DOL issued temporary regulations, effective immediately, implementing and interpreting the paid sick leave and emergency family leave provisions of the FFCRA. Although the rules largely mimic the information provided in the FAQs, they now have the force and effect of law. Some additional clarifications: Paid sick leave and/or EFMLA is not…

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Illinois Employers Need to Understand Changes to Unemployment Insurance Due to Covid-19

By Nancy E. Joerg / March 31, 2020

In this remarkable era of coronavirus legislative relief from Congress, many new laws are impacting employers. This naturally is very stressful because there is suddenly “a new normal” about so many aspects of the workplace. Employers are being asked to adapt very quickly to a virtual ocean of new legislation, and the unemployment insurance area…

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DOL Provides Additional Guidance on FFCRA Obligations

By Alan E. Seneczko / March 30, 2020

Late Friday, March 27, and again on Saturday, March 28, the Department of Labor added a number of FAQs to its March 24 guidance. Here are some of the highlights, including guidance relating to business closures and layoffs, as well as the relation between emergency public health leave and other leave under the FMLA: Paid…

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Alert to Illinois Employers: Understanding the New IDES Unemployment Insurance Climate in the Coronavirus Era!

By Nancy E. Joerg / March 26, 2020

Yesterday, Congressional leaders passed a historic federal stimulus package in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The bill now travels to The House of Representatives for approval before being signed by President Trump. ​ ​ The legislation includes a new pandemic unemployment assistance program, which would provide unemployment insurance benefits to those who are unemployed,…

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US Department of Labor Issues New Guidelines for Employers on COVID-19

By Alan E. Seneczko / March 25, 2020

The U.S. Department of Labor has just issued a number of FAQs to clarify an employer’s obligations under the Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Family Leave provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. A few of the more helpful clarifications are summarized below: The paid leave provisions of the FFCRA become effective April 1,…

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FFCRA Poster Now Available

By Alan E. Seneczko / March 25, 2020

As you are likely aware, the FFCRA requires employers to post a notice explaining the requirements of the new law – but did not have a poster available. It now does. Here are links to both the poster and FAQs concerning it (which includes helpful questions like where/how to post if your employees are all…

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Minnesota Joins Ranks of States With Shelter at Home Orders

By James B. Sherman / March 25, 2020

Today, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 20-20 requiring all Minnesotans to stay at home other than for specified, limited activities. The order goes into effect this Friday, March 27, at 11:59 p.m. Activities Exempted from the order include: Health and safety activities Outdoor Activities (e.g., hiking, biking, fishing) Obtaining necessary supplies and services,…

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Wisconsin Governor Issues “Safer at Home” Order

By Alan E. Seneczko / March 24, 2020

Governor Evers has issued his Safer at Home Order, which becomes effective at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, and will remain in effect until Friday, April 24, 2020, unless a superseding order is issued. Click here to review the Order and determine whether your business is considered an “Essential Business” allowed to remain…

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Illinois Residents Ordered to Shelter in Place due to COVID-19

By Wessels Sherman / March 21, 2020

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has issued Executive Order 2020-10 which directs Illinois residents to remain in their homes except for essential activites (such as grocery shopping and going to medical appointments), essential government functions or to operate essential businesses and operations from March 21 through April 7, 2020. Non-essential businesses must cease all activities within…

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