Littler Mendelson, the CATA’s labor relations counsel, continues to produce helpful information for dealers and other businesses navigate the current climate. Among them:

 

Updated COVID Response Kit
The kit’s third edition, sent free via email to all dealers on May 27, incorporates recent guidance by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on quarantining and returning to work after an employee tests positive or has symptoms, and also incorporates further guidance issued by OSHA in late May on determining whether a COVID incident is "work-related." Previous editions of the kit were sent to dealers March 27 and May 1.

 

COBRA: New notice and election forms released by DOL; Modified COBRA deadlines
Since many businesses either already have implemented layoffs or are about to, they need to know about the new COBRA forms that were released by Department of Labor in May, and also about the modified COBRA deadlines during the COVID outbreak which were established by IRS guidance issued in late May. This notice, sent via email to all dealers May 29, is Littler’s first bulletin to dealers regarding COBRA issues.

 

FFRCA Paid Sick Leave and Paid FMLA Leave policies and forms
Littler sent notice to dealers about these new laws on April 3 and again on April 9 and offered the materials for $250 ($400 for multiple rooftops), but few dealers responded. Dealers at the time likely were focused on Paycheck Protection Program loans and the fact that PPP loans have largely covered continuing pay for all employees during recent weeks. Now that PPP is coming to an end, Littler’s notice will be sent again about June 3.