ESD Q&A – CARES Act Federal Stimulus

Posted on April 1, 2020 by Chris Hilgenfeld

(as of April 21, 2020) Washington ESD has provided the following Q&A as it relates to the CARES Act federal stimulus package: Q: I heard there is legislation that has passed to expand unemployment insurance, how does this affect me? A: This legislation will likely help many people, including people who typically don’t qualify for unemployment benefits – including those who don’t have the usually required 680 hours. We are working as quickly as possible to implement the changes under the … Continue reading →

Share Button
Posted in COVID-19, Legal Updates, Unemployment Benefits (WA), Washington | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Mine Operators and COVID-19

Posted on April 1, 2020 by Chris Hilgenfeld

FLEXIBILITIES FOR MINE OPERATORS The Mine Safety and Health Administration will work with mine operators when it comes to the following recertifications: Annual refresher training certification (30 CFR Part 46) Surface and underground annual refresher training certification (30 CFR Part 48) Certified person; sampling (30 CFR §§ 70/71/90.202) Certified person; maintenance and calibration (30 CFR §§ 70/71/90.203) Exemptions to recertifications will not be granted; however, their due dates will be extended by at least the time the government is operating … Continue reading →

Share Button
Posted in COVID-19 | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

ESD Emergency Rulemaking

Posted on April 1, 2020 by Chris Hilgenfeld

Here is a summarized list of the emergency rules promulgated by ESD related to COVID-19: March 25, 2020 CR 103E (Shared Work)| Emergency rules (3/25/2020) The emergency rule makes changes to shared work eligibility.   March 24, 2020 CR 103E (Job search optional)| Emergency rules (3/24/2020) The emergency rule makes changes to job search requirements for Unemployment Insurance claimants.   March 20, 2020 CR 103E (Consolidated Standby Rules, March 9, March 13, and March 20, 2020)| Emergency rules (3/20/2020) The emergency rule consolidates standby emergency rules from … Continue reading →

Share Button
Posted in Unemployment Benefits (WA), Washington | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

New DOL Guidance on the FFCRA

Posted on March 25, 2020 by Josh Brittingham

Posted on March 25, 2020, by Josh Brittingham On March 24, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”), Wage and Hour Division, announced its first official set of guidance about the paid-leave provisions in the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”), enacted on March 18. New implementing regulations for the FFCRA are forthcoming. DOL issued a fact sheet for employees, a fact sheet for employers, and a Q&A document. These materials clarify the DOL’s position on FFCRA’s requirements and protections, which are discussed here. For convenience, … Continue reading →

Share Button
Posted in COVID-19, Leave Laws | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Governor Inslee’s Orders

Posted on March 20, 2020 by Chris Hilgenfeld

(as of May 1, 2020) On April 24, 2020, Governor Inslee announced his plan to allow “low-risk”  construction projects to proceed here. This “Phase 1 Construction Restart” memorandum allows “authorized construction” to proceed.  “Authorized construction” includes (1) construction previously authorized  under Proclamation 20-25 and Gov. Inslee’s March 25, 2020, memo on construction, and (2) construction activity that is needed to fulfill an obligation under a contract effective prior to March 23, 2020, or authorized by a government-issued permit obtained prior to March 23, … Continue reading →

Share Button
Posted in COVID-19, Legal Updates, Uncategorized, Washington Law Against Discrimination | Leave a comment

FEDERAL LEGISLATION: COVID-19 Related FMLA and Paid Sick Leave Requirements (as of March 19, 2020)

Posted on March 19, 2020 by Josh Brittingham

On March 18, 2020,  the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) (the Act) was signed into law. This article discusses the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Paid Sick Leave provisions related to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Due to the immense effect this Act may have on small businesses, I have provided a thorough review of relevant questions. APPLICABILITY: When do the COVID-19 related FMLA and Paid Sick Leave provisions take effect? Within 15 days of enactment, … Continue reading →

Share Button
Posted in COVID-19, Leave Laws, New Legislation, Oregon, Paid Leave, Sick Leave, Washington | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

COVID-19 and Commercial Truck Driver Requirements (as of March 19, 2020)

Posted on March 19, 2020 by Chris Hilgenfeld

FEDERAL.  Effective March 13, 2020, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued an emergency declaration to provide hours-of-service regulatory relief to commercial truck drivers transporting emergency relief in response to COVID-19.  This waiver is in effect for 30 days (April 12) unless extended. On March 18, 2020, FMCSA expanded the regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicle operations providing direct assistance supporting emergency relief efforts intended to meet immediate needs for: Medical supplies and equipment … Continue reading →

Share Button
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Oregon Government Response to COVID-19

Posted on March 18, 2020 by Chris Hilgenfeld

An ongoing list of enacted Oregon State legislation related to employment issues and COVID-19. (as of May 1, 2020) Governor Kate Brown’s executive order directs Oregonians to stay at home.  This Order “remains in effect until ended by the governor.”  As of May 1, some non-urgent medical procedures can resume if the hospital, medical office, or dental office meets the state requirements for COVID-19 safety precautions.  Additional restriction may be eased depending on numerous factors, including the declining number of COVID-19 cases, … Continue reading →

Share Button
Posted in COVID-19, Oregon | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Employment Legislation – State of Washington

Posted on March 18, 2020 by Chris Hilgenfeld

An ongoing list of enacted Washington State legislation related to employment issues. (As of March 18, 2020) Washington HB 2965, among other things, added $25 million appropriation from the budget stabilization account for expenditure into the COVID-19 unemployment account.  It became effective on March 17, 2020. Washington HB 2739 adjusted certain requirements of the shared leave program.  Includes a provision of shared leave for employees in isolation or quarantine as requested or ordered by a public health offiical or health … Continue reading →

Share Button
Posted in COVID-19, Washington | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

COVID-19 and Unemployment Benefits in Washington (as of March 18, 2020)

Posted on March 18, 2020 by Chris Hilgenfeld

(as of April 21, 2020) Washington’s Employment Security Department (ESD) has issued emergency rules for the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.  They have also prepared a comparison guide for some common COVID-19 scenarios that affect benefits. Here are Summaries and Questions and Answers provided by the ESD for Employers related to COVID-19: CARES Act and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)   Federal stimulus in the recently enacted CARES Act creates Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) for businesses and workers affected by COVID-19.   How will the CARES Act help me? … Continue reading →

Share Button
Posted in COVID-19, Unemployment Benefits (WA), Washington | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments