In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the governments of a number of jurisdictions in Canada have amended their employment standards legislation to entitle employees to emergency unpaid job-protected leave.
On Sunday April 5, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued Unemployment Insurance Program Letter (UIPL) 16-20 to provide further guidance on Section 2102 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020.
Employers frequently ask whether they may amend their existing pension plan schemes unilaterally. In the Netherlands, employees have to agree to pension plan amendments, separately from the works council.
In its latest response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pennsylvania has ordered mandatory cleaning protocols for large buildings throughout the Commonwealth.
On April 3, 2020, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a comprehensive budget bill that, among other things, amends the New York Labor Law to require all New York employers to provide paid or unpaid sick leave to their employees.
On March 28, 2020, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly issued Executive Order No. 20-16, establishing a statewide “Stay Home” Order to minimize the risk and spread of infection by COVID-19, effective through at least April 19, 2020.
On April 4, 2020, the DOL issued Unemployment Insurance Guidance Letter 15-20 (UIPL 15-20) to provide further guidance to the states on the temporary expanded unemployment insurance benefits available under the CARES Act.
On Friday, April 3, 2020, Governor Mike Parson directed Dr. Randall Williams, Director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, to issue a statewide “Stay Home Missouri” Order, which is effective April 4, 2020 through April 24, 2020.
