COVID-19

The United States currently finds itself amidst one of the worst global pandemics of all time due to COVID-19 (coronavirus).  Unfortunately, the virus shows no sign of slowing down in the immediate future.  Amidst the health and economic tolls that have happened due to the coronavirus, there are several employment issues that have been raised because of the coronavirus.  Understandably, employees have a number of questions relating to how the coronavirus effects their employment.

These concerns include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Can an employee use sick leave if they have the coronavirus;

• Can an employee use sick leave if a family member has the coronavirus;

• If an employee has exhausted his or her sick leave due to coronavirus, can other paid leave be used;

• What protections does an employee have if they suffer retaliation for using paid sick leave due to coronavirus;

• Can an employer fire an employee for having the coronavirus;

• Can an employer fire an employee for using sick leave if they have the coronavirus;

• Can an employee file for disability if he or she is unable to work due to the coronavirus;

• Can an employee obtain unemployment benefits if laid off from his or her due to coronavirus or because of lack of work due to coronavirus;

• Is an employee required to work if he or she feels unsafe due to coronavirus;

• Can an employee be fired for reporting unsafe working conditions due to coronavirus;

• Is an employee entitled to payment for waiting to be tested for coronavirus before and/or after work;

• Is an employee entitled to compensation for reporting to work and being sent home due to coronavirus;

• What options does an employee have if the employee’s child’s school day or day care closes for reasons related to coronavirus?

These are just some examples of the types of employment scenarios that have resulted due to the coronavirus.  Others exist.

If you have any employment issues related to the coronavirus, contact us for a free case evaluation.