WSNYC Blog: The Latest in Employment Law

As some states begin to open their economies back up, workers with underlying health conditions that make them more vulnerable to COVID-19 may not want to return to their workplaces.  People who are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus have high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, and compromised immune systems.  The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) states that these individuals are entitled to “reasonable accommodations” from their employers. Their employers are required to make changes to their work conditions

The answer depends on what state you live (and quarantine) in. 10 states have made it clear that wage replacement benefits are available through workman’s compensation on a case by case basis, but insurance funds in other states have not made it clear yet if they plan to look at these claims case by case or deny all of them outright. The answer could also depend on what industry you work in. For example, in Washington, workers comp will pay

If you’re an essential worker in New York, your employer has been obligated to provide you with a face mask since April 15, 2020. On April 12, 2020, Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued executive order No. 202.16 which states that “for all essential businesses or entities, any employees who are present in the workplace shall be provided and shall wear face coverings when in direct contact with customers or members of the public. Businesses must provide, at their expense, such face

Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, many people have been working from home for the first time. Initially, many thought working from home would only be for a few weeks. However, many people will be working from home for the foreseeable future, perhaps until a vaccine is developed. Since working from home appears to be the “new normal,” check out these tips that can help you stay sane, productive, and even enjoy working from home!

1. Music

Music has been shown to boost

As states begin to ease social distancing guidelines, you may be wondering what your workplace will look like in the coming months.  Many reporters, scholars, and politicians agree that it may take years before we return to life as it was pre-COVID-19.  Instead, states will adopt a semblance of normal, allowing businesses to open with some social distancing protocol.  After all, Americans won’t want to return to work or shop at local businesses if they feel it’s unsafe to do

Since the coronavirus outbreak, many state governments have ordered non-essential businesses to shut down. With most employers shut down, more people will stay at home and prevent the spread of the deadly virus. However, as the number of cases starts to decline, some states are eager to open businesses back up. For example, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp is planning to open certain non-essential businesses this week such as gyms, beauty salons, bowling alleys, and tattoo parlors. President Trump criticized the

More than 3,000 workers have filed complaints with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) due to the lack of safeguards against COVID-19 at their workplaces. The Washington Post requested all employee complaints pertaining to the coronavirus from January through April from OSHA under the Freedom of Information Act. The complaints came from essential workers in many industries: airlines, construction, hospitals, grocery stores, call centers, pharmacies, and more.  They describe mask and glove shortages, cramped work environments with no social

New Yorkers who have recently been terminated or laid off due to coronavirus should make sure that they get the maximum unemployment benefits possible. Keep reading to find out the important information and steps to take to ensure that you receive your full benefits.

Unemployment Benefits Increase Under Federal Legislation

Under recent federal legislation, unemployment benefits in New York City have increased due to the pandemic. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) provides an extra $600 weekly

As US coronavirus cases reach 550,000, more and more Americans have to ask their employer for time off when they start experiencing Coronavirus symptoms or must care for a sick family member.  If you have a moderate to a severe case of Coronavirus, you may have difficulty even working remotely as the virus can cause extreme fatigue, fever, and shortness of breath. Therefore, it’s important to know your basic rights and approach your employer quickly and professionally when you begin

Amazon is facing criticism after employees in Staten Island, New York, held a walkout to protest Amazon’s lack of precautions surrounding the coronavirus crisis. At the walkout, employees demanded Amazon shut down and sanitize the warehouse after multiple employees tested positive for the virus. The walkout raised awareness that Amazon employees lacked adequate personal protective equipment at work.  Without proper cleaning and protection procedures, employees would have to choose between unpaid sick leave and putting their co-workers at risk for