The Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division announced its first round of published guidance to provide information to employees and employers about how each will be able to take advantage of the protections and relief offered by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act when it takes effect April 1, according to www.dol.gov.
FFCRA is meant to help the U.S. combat COVID-19 by giving all U.S. businesses with fewer than 500 employees funds to provide employees with paid leave, either for the employee’s own health needs or to care for family members. The legislation will ensure workers are not forced to choose between their paychecks and the public health measures needed to combat the virus while at the same time reimbursing businesses.
The guidance is provided in a Fact Sheet for Employees, a Fact Sheet for Employers and a Questions and Answers document and addresses critical questions, such as how an employer must count the number of their employees to determine coverage; how small businesses can obtain an exemption; how to count hours for part-time employees; and how to calculate the wages employees are entitled to under this law.
The guidance is just the first round of information and compliance assistance expected from WHD. A workplace poster required for most employers will be published later this week, along with additional fact sheets and more Q&As.
View additional information WHD provides regarding common issues employers and employees face when responding to COVID-19, as well as its effects on wages and hours worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act and job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
