Emergency Order #34: Interim Order to Turn the Dial

On April 27, 2020, the Evers Administration released Emergency Order #34 entitled “Interim Order to Turn the Dial.” In this order, the administration expands slightly the permissible business operations set forth in Emergency Order #28, “Safer at Home Order.” This Order takes effect on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. While Section 14 of […]

Badger Bounce Back

On April 20, 2020, the Evers Administration released Emergency Order #31 entitled “Badger Bounce Back.” In this order, the administration sets forth a plan for a phased reopening of businesses so that Wisconsinites can get back to work. Based upon recent federal guidelines, the Badger Bounce Back plan specifies criteria that will enable Wisconsin to […]

DOL Ends Temporary Non-Enforcement of New Paid Leave Protections

As of April 21, 2020, covered employers (with fewer than 500 employees) across the country must be in full compliance with the paid leave provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which became effective April 1, 2020. On April 20, the U.S. Department of Labor announced the end of the temporary period of […]

EEOC Technical Assistance Q&As Update

Last Friday, April 17, 2020, the EEOC updated its Technical Assistance Q&As about COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and other EEO laws. The updated Q&As reiterate prior guidance and offer some new information. Key provisions for employers include the following: Disability-related inquiries and exams During the pandemic, employers may ask employees if they […]

Safer at Home Extended – Preparing for Your “New Normal”

In the wake of Governor Evers’ extension of Wisconsin’s Safer at Home Order until May 26th, we are all eager to return to our normal ways, but what will our normal be after the quarantines lapse? What can we learn from this experience? What do we want to carry forward as part of our “new […]

Summary of WI Act 185 – COVID-19 Relief Package

On Friday April 15, 2020, Governor Evers signed into law Act 185, a comprehensive COVID-19 relief package. Key provisions for employers include the following: Waiver of 1-week waiting period for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits: One week waiting period for UI benefits will not apply with respect to benefit years that begin after March 12, 2020 […]

Updated CDC and OSHA Guidance Regarding Employees with COVID-19 at Worksite

Two government agencies recently released updated “interim guidance” for employers responding to COVID-19 in the workplace. This is important information for employers in essential and critical businesses who still have active workplaces. On April 8, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control provided new guidance on treatment of workers with suspected or confirmed exposure to COVID-19. […]

DOL Issues Temporary Rule Regarding Paid Leaves Available Under FFCRA

On April 1, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division posted a Rule (to be final when published on 4/6/20) issuing regulations under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”). The regulations provide further clarity as to how the leave provisions of the Expanded Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (“EFMLEA”) and Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (“EPSLA”) will be implemented. Key provisions include:

Comprehensive Legislative Proposals to Address COVID-19 Impact

On April1, 2020, Governor Evers announced a second package of legislative proposals to support Wisconsin businesses and citizens who continue to confront unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. This second proposed package is intended to supplement the Governor’s first piece of proposed legislation which included additional funding for public health and healthcare professionals, a waiver of the customary one-week waiting period for unemployment insurance, and other assistance for Wisconsin organizations, residents and communities.