DOL Updates FMLA Forms
On July 16th, the Department of Labor (DOL) updated Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) forms which employers may use to administer FMLA leaves within their organizations. The FMLA does not require the use of any specific form or format but using the forms can simplify leave administration and facilitate compliance for employers. In the […]
Important Changes to the Paycheck Protection Program
On Friday June 5, 2020, the administration enacted the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (“PPPFA”) of 2020 which makes important changes to the original Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
OSHA reinstates normal reporting and investigation standards for COVID
On May 19, 2020, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) reversed an earlier enforcement policy for recording cases of COVID. As Lake Effect reported in April, OSHA had announced that it would not enforce its record-keeping requirements on employers to make COVID “work-relatedness” determinations, except when (1) there was objective evidence that an employee’s […]
IRS Increases Flexibility for Employer Health Plans, FSAs and Dependent Care Programs
On May 13, 2020, the IRS released new guidance giving employers greater flexibility in the administration of sponsored Sec. 125 cafeteria plans (including health insurance, flexible spending and dependent care plans), whether insured or self-insured. Under the new rules, an employer may amend plan documents to permit employees to make new health care elections or […]
DWD’s Work-Share Program: Another Option to Avoid Layoffs
As employers evaluate options to address the impact of COVID-19 on their organizations, Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is encouraging participation in its Work-Share Program. The Work-Share Program is designed to help employers avoid layoffs of at least two employees by reducing employees’ hours during slow business periods of up to six months. The […]
Recovery Readiness Guide For Employers
Recovery Readiness Guide For Employers As businesses prepare to reopen or resume full operations amid COVID-19, there will be new challenges and questions. No one has all the answers, but Lake Effect can help you anticipate some of the issues that are likely to arise as you reopen and/or return more employees to the worksite. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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:
Wisconsin Issues Emergency Order #12: Safer at Home
Effective March 25,2020 at 8am: The Evers Administration signs Emergency Order (EO) #12, Safer at Home. A summary of the EO is included in this article.
