Broad vaccine mandates by federal and state governments, large employers, and the health care industry have led to vigorous opposition from some employees claiming a sincerely held religious belief justifies exempting them from any vaccine requirement. A cottage industry has emerged in the form of religious leaders providing written support for the exemption, often for a fee. Employers are therefore required, in a manner never … [Read more...]
Emergency Paid Sick Leave and Family Leave Tax Credits Under the American Rescue Plan Act
The American Rescue Plan Act allows employers to voluntarily extend emergency paid sick leave (EPSL) and emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (EFMLEA) provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) to employees and receive tax credits through Sept. 30. While employers are not required to provide this type of leave, this tax credit will provide a benefit to employers who do so. EPSLA Guidelines Under the EPSLA, … [Read more...]
Take the Jab or Lose Your Job – Can Employers Force Employees to Get Vaccinated?
The Covid-19 Delta variant has put a big crimp in pandemic recovery, and driven many employers to require employees to get vaccinated. To the extent reasonably possible, employers must accommodate those who can’t be vaccinated for medical reasons, and those who won’t for religious reasons, but the bottom line may often come down to jab versus job. Is that legal? The answer, pretty much, is yes, at least in most states. The Equal Employment … [Read more...]
COVID and the Law- Can Employers Escape Liability by Claiming They Were Working for the Government
At least six workers at the Tyson Foods pork processing plant in Waterloo, Iowa died from COVID, and eventually Tyson shut the plant down. Last year surviving family members of four of the workers sued the plant managers and the company in Iowa state court, claiming that the defendants were negligent in failing to develop and implement adequate safety measures at the facility. The plaintiffs further claimed that the company lied to them about … [Read more...]
Former Employees May Be Eligible for “Free” COBRA Coverage
When employees lose their jobs, one of their biggest worries is how they will afford to pay for their healthcare and that of their family. Ordinarily, most employees who lose their jobs are able to maintain coverage on their existing group health plan through the month of their termination. After that, they may be eligible to enroll in a COBRA plan for an additional 18 months. Enrolling in a COBRA plan generally means that employees maintain … [Read more...]
