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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.  

Download PDFOver the past week, federal and New York State laws have been enacted to require certain employers to provide paid benefits to employees who cannot work as a result of COVID-19. New York State Law Obligations As of March 18, 2020, New York State’s COVID-19 Quarantine Leave Law (Quarantine Leave Law) requires employers, with limited exceptions, to provide job protection and up to 14 days of paid quarantine benefits to employees who are unable to work because they are [...]

Download PDFIn an effort to help our employer clients deal with the constantly changing workplace circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Whiteman Osterman & Hanna is providing the following checklist of strategies and issues for employers to consider:  Can you reduce employee work schedules or employee pay rates?  You should consider:Is the employee non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) (i.e., entitled to overtime if he or she works more than 40 [...]