The COVID-19 pandemic appears to be far from over in the United States. As a result, employers and employees continue to encounter unique and challenging employment issues. In fact, a number of employers have already experienced increased internal complaints or litigation related to COVID-19. Discussed below are a few employment law matters emerging as areas of potential conflict and how a labor law attorney can help resolve or prevent these scenarios.
Continuing Workplace Safety Concerns
As more employees return to the physical workplace, safety concerns have become an even bigger obstacle. Further complicating the matter, many areas of the country are still experiencing increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases. Employers need to be aware of CDC guidelines, OSHA requirements and recommendations, and state and local mandates addressing workplace safety. In addition, employers are already seeing an increase in worker’s compensation claims related to contracting COVID-19 at work. Employers should consider contacting an experienced employment and labor law attorney to evaluate the multitude of legal aspects regarding workplace safety in the continuing age of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Related Leave Complaints
When many states issued shelter-in-place orders the federal government and some state governments passed laws aimed at allowing for leave specifically related to COVID-19 problems. As we move forward, employers are currently facing complaints that they failed to comply with federal and/or state leave requirements. Because of this, employers and employees should be familiar with applicable COVID-19 leave requirements within their state and understand potential legal ramifications of employment decisions made subsequent to COVID-19 related leave. Again, an experienced employment lawyer can offer advice to both employers and employees on leave requirements and related legal obligations.
Other COVID-19 Employment Law Concerns
Continued COVID-19 employment law issues are inevitable. Other new employment law COVID-19 related conflicts relate to employees continuing to work from home. For example, disputes can arise regarding wage and hour claims and reimbursement issues for work from home related expenses. Other concerns include, ADA implications for employees wishing to continue working from home as a reasonable accommodation.
Contact a Labor Law Attorney
COVID-19 employment law questions? The labor and employment lawyers at Rogge Dunn Group continue to monitor developments related to COVID-19 and employment issues. The Firm has the experience needed to successfully prevent and/or resolve employment disputes. Three of the Firm’s employment lawyers are Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. For more information, contact Rogge Dunn Group here.