The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division announced its first round of published guidance to provide information to employees and employers about how each will be able to take advantage of the protections and relief offered by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) when it takes effect on April 1. The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) applauds the quick action and initial guidance by the Department of Labor.
“We thank the Labor Department’s Wage and Hour Division for issuing this critical first round of guidance for the FFCRA,” said NWRA President and CEO Darrell Smith in a statement. “This guidance will help ensure our member companies and their employees are prepared when the law goes into effect on April 1. Our member companies are resilient and continue to operate during the COVID-19 health crisis.”
The new law establishes new paid leave requirements, and the DOL has made resources available to help answer questions and ensure compliance. The Fact Sheet for Employees, Fact Sheet for Employers and a Questions and Answers Document address critical questions, such as how an employer must count the number of their employees to determine coverage; how small businesses can obtain an exemption; how to count hours for part-time employees; and how to calculate the wages employees are entitled to under this law.