Practical Issues for Employers Navigating the New Federal Emergency Paid FMLA and Sick Leave Mandates

The application of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to employee leaves of absence was a conundrum for employees and employers alike even before Coronavirus times. On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), to provide relief to American workers of certain covered employers in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. This new law requires covered employers to offer emergency paid leave in the form of a new mandatory paid sick leave benefit and expanded paid leave under the FMLA. Understand the new FMLA and paid sick leave provisions of the FFCRA and obtain practical counsel for navigating the requirements of the law and address questions.