News

Plan Now For Reopening to Avoid Employee Claims Later.pdfOn May 4, 2020, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo confirmed that as regions begin to reopen, businesses must have a reopening plan that will include certain measures to help lower the risk of the spread of COVID-19 infections. The reopening plan must address: An adjustment of workplace hours and arrangements, if needed, to reduce workplace density; The implementation of workplace social distancing measures; The [...]

Received PPP Funding - Now What.pdfWith PPP funds now issued, employers are starting to bring employees back to work. This process is not always easy, however, and many employers are faced with the possibility that employees will refuse to return to the workplace. So, what to do if an individual refuses to come back to work? What impact will that refusal have on an employer’s PPP loan forgiveness? On May 3, 2020, the Department of Treasury confirmed that while employers must meet the [...]

Medical Examinations and Temperature Testing of Employees.pdfThe following is a summary of issues and guidance related to the ability of employers to make medical inquiries and/or administer medical examinations of employees in the unprecedented circumstances presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.  We note that this guidance may change, as circumstances change in an employer’s community and in the world.Medical InquiriesAn employer’s ability to make medical inquiries of employees [...]

Employers in New York will be required to revise their employee sick leave requirement under a new law enacted in the New York State budget.    Effective October 1, 2020, Chapter 56 of the Laws of 2020, established minimum standards for sick leave in New York, including a minimum amount of sick leave to be provided accrual and carry over standards, and use of sick leave.  In addition, the new law prevents employer retaliation for an employee’s use of sick leave, requires [...]

Whiteman Osterman & Hanna partners Norma Meacham and Monica Skanes recently conducted a webinar for the Capital District Human Resources Association (CRHRA).  The webinar, titled "COVID-19: An Evolving Employment and Health Issue", discusses how HR actions can be subject to possible liability during the Coronavirus pandemic.To view a recording of the webinar please click here.