Category: Employment and Labor Law
Coronavirus-Related Resources Available to Small Businesses
Since the coronavirus has become a pandemic, small businesses have been hit with mandatory closures and hefty safety measures to help “flatten the curve.” While this is an unprecedented time, this is certainly not a time to panic. Thanks to the stimulus package passed by the United States Congress, and the work completed by the …
Your Contractual Obligations in the Wake of COVID-19.
April 6, 2020 About a month ago, I would head to work in the morning where I’d be meeting clients at my office, introducing myself and shaking their hand. I might meet up with colleagues over lunch at a local eatery and spend an afternoon sitting side-by-side with my client in the courtroom. On my …
Interpretation of the DOL’s FFRCA and IRS Regulations: What Documentation is Required?
April 3, 2020 The DOL issued more regulations on April 1 providing additional interpretation of the FFRCA. One of the issues addressed was the notification employers can require for an employee requesting leave under either the additional paid sick leave or the expanded FMLA provisions. For both forms of leave, an employer may require employees …
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Summary
April 2, 2020 With many businesses struggling during the COVID19 pandemic, we wanted to highlight one of the major components of the CARES Act that was recently passed by the federal government; namely, the Paycheck Protection Program. This program is found in Title I – Keeping American Workers Paid and Employed Act, and it is …
COVID-19-Related Tax Credits for Required Paid Leave Provided by Small and Midsize Businesses FAQs
Issued by the IRS March 31, 2020 An Eligible Employer will substantiate eligibility for the sick leave or family leave credits if the employer receives a written request for such leave from the employee in which the employee provides: 1. The employee’s name; 2. The date or dates for which leave is requested; 3. A …
Guidance from DOL to Interpret FFCRA: Intermittent Leave
March 31, 2020 This is the second installment of reporting on the DOL’s Questions and Answers interpreting the FFCRA, which we are addressing in increments. The question for today is whether the FFCRA allows for intermittent leave time. As a preliminary matter, paid sick leave for qualifying reasons related to COVID-19 must be taken in …
Guidance from DOL to Interpret FFCRA: Small Business Exemption
March 30, 2020 The DOL has issued guidance in the format of questions and answers regarding several provisions of the FFCRA. We are going to talk about these in increments. The first issue is when the small business exemption applies to exclude a small business from the provisions of the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act …
Telecommuting – A Necessary Option But Be Aware of Certain Legal Issues
March 27, 2020 There is no question that telecommuting has become a necessary, and in many cases, the only option for employers to keep their workforce going. In doing so, I want to remind employers of some legal considerations. The Practicalities Ordinarily, I would first raise some practical considerations, such as whether the nature of …
Your Employment Questions Answered
This information is accurate as of March 20, 2020, and is subject to change based on any new legislation. Maine Unemployment: Who does it apply to: all eligible employees – size of employer does not matter. When does it apply: 1. Employee is temporarily laid off due to a partial or full closure of Employer …
Reminder of Overtime Changes as of January 1
As of January 1, Maine’s minimum wage will increase from $11 to $12/hour. That means the state minimum salary for exemption from overtime eligibility will increase from $33,000 to $36,000 per year, which translates to a minimum salary of $692.31 per week. This is the amount employees in Maine will have to be paid to …