In mid-March 2020, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act was signed into law by the United States Congress. Under the law, certain protected rights are provided to covered employees. If you are someone whose work has been disrupted by the outbreak of the coronavirus and you have questions about your rights, review the following, and then reach out to our employment law attorneys at the law office of McOmber McOmber & Luber for more guidance.
Primary Provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
The primary point of the Act is to provide covered employees with paid leave. Those employers who are covered under the act must provide covered employees with up to two weeks of paid leave at the regular rate of pay if the employee is quarantined due to a coronavirus diagnosis or because they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and is seeking a medical diagnosis, or up to two weeks of paid leave at two-thirds of the employee’s normal rate if the employee is unable to work because they are caring for a loved one who is subject to quarantine, is under 18 years of age and whose school is closed, or is experiencing symptoms similar to COVID-19 symptoms.
Most employees are covered under the Act. Private-sector employers with fewer than 500 employees, as well as certain public sector employers, are covered under the act. If a business is particularly small — under 50 employees — it may qualify for an exemption under one part of the act (providing paid leave for a party who is providing care for a child) if paying the employee would jeopardize the future of the business.
Other Benefit Programs May Covered You
In addition to coverage under the new Families First During Coronavirus Act, you may be eligible for benefits and protections as an employee under a number of state and federal laws, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). COVID-19 worker benefits programs that may be available to you include:
- Unemployment;
- Paid sick time (state);
- Paid sick time (federal);
- Paid child sick leave; and
- Federal stimulus checks.
If you are part of a union, it is also recommended that you consult with your union about your rights during this uncertain time.
Call Our New Jersey Employment Law Attorneys Today
At the law office of McOmber McOmber & Luber, we understand the fear that you may be experiencing, as well as the grief and anxiety we all share during this time in history. As things get progressively worse day by day in New York and New Jersey, we want to remind you that our lawyers are working overtime to serve clients like you. We have moved to a fully remote set-up, and we are here to answer your questions and take your calls today. If you have questions about your rights as an employee during coronavirus, please do not hesitate to reach out to our law offices directly.