Rogge Dunn joined news anchor Meredith Land on NBC DFW‘s social media for a live stream to discuss coronavirus employment laws and other employment concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Questions answered in the video:
For employees, what do we need to know? What are our rights?
Rogge Dunn: one right you have is if you become ill, or a family member becomes ill, you have the right – under the Family Medical Leave Act, a federal law – to go home and take that FMLA leave.
If an employer tells you to go home, does the employer have to pay you?
Rogge Dunn: if the employer sends you home and you’re an hourly worker, it should pay you. The flip-side is that if you’re an hourly worker and you’re sick and you go home, and the employer does not have paid FMLA leave, then they don’t have to pay you.
With so many schools starting to cancel class, what do parents do who have to work? Can they take FMLA or still earn money?
Rogge Dunn: unfortunately, the answer is no. Because the FMLA only applies if you are sick or a loved one is. Even if the school sends kids home, the employer does not have to pay you if you stay home too.
Will any sick leave pay increase company insurance premiums?
Rogge Dunn: the answer is yes. If you have more claims, and you’re paying out for coronavirus claims, there’s a metric that insurance companies look at called The Loss History. Also, the more losses you have relative to the premiums you pay, the insurance companies increase the premium.
What is the biggest concern with coronavirus?
Rogge Dunn: I think FDR said it best. The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. If you get consumed by that, you can make emotional or snap decisions that aren’t smart economically or for your personal life.
To view the full video on NBC DFW’s Facebook page, click here. In addition, for more information on coronavirus employment laws or to speak to the employment lawyers at Rogge Dunn Group, click here.