On Demand
Audio
A Primer on COVID-19 Protections for Employers and Employees: Examining New Relief Programs and Existing Employee Protection Laws
Produced on April 28, 2020
Course Information
Course Description
The coronavirus pandemic has occasioned sweeping changes in federal and state laws affecting employers and employees. This program, presented by Jonathan Bernstein, will focus on government programs available to help employers avoid layoffs and furloughs as well as protections for employees in various situations: e.g., those who require sick leave because they or a relative have contracted the virus or are quarantined, have been laid off, wish to continue working, fear working but are required to, or wish to work but only if provided with personal protective equipment. We will also review generally applicable employee-protection laws, particularly disability discrimination laws, and how they are applicable to employees who have been or are thought to have been, exposed to coronavirus.
Learning Objectives:
- Gain an overview of the new government programs available to help employers avoid layoffs and furloughs
- Identify protections for employees in various situations, such as for those who require sick leave because they or a relative have contracted the virus or are quarantined, fear working but are required to, or wish to continue working but cannot
- Review previously existing employee-protection laws, particularly disability discrimination laws, and how they are applicable to employees who have been exposed to coronavirus
Credit Information
Faculty
Jonathan Bernstein
Meenan & Associates
Jonathan is a dedicated and fervent advocate for workplace fairness for public and private workers. He is well versed in the complex laws and rules that regulate relationships between workers and their employers providing practical and pro-active counsel. His range of knowledge in employment law makes him a valued resource in negotiating executive compensation packages, severance agreements, and settlements of workplace disputes.
Jonathan represents workers in arbitration proceedings pursuant to both written contracts or employer mandate. His knowledge of employment law provides a valuable resource to all involved in the process often motivating a just resolution for those he represents. He is thoroughly familiar with the rules of arbitration and the presentation of evidence at these proceedings. If necessary, he will ensure the arbitration award is confirmed in Court to protect the rights and interests of those he represents in the arbitration process.
Many small businesses rely on Jonathan’s expertise to provide guidance on workplace practices and various labor laws and compliance issues. Jonathan provides meaningful assistance to start-ups, entrepreneurs, aspiring business owners regarding business structures, operating agreements, shareholder agreements, bylaws, commercial leases, and internal practices.
Jonathan is proud to serve as outside counsel in labor and employment matters to the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Argentina to the United Nations. The Permanent Mission is committed to respecting federal, state and City laws protecting workers (even though diplomatic missions are not required to do so).
Reviews
Great, timely information
very timely
Very interesting. I really enjoyed this course.
The speaker tackled a new and complex area of the law by identifying key issues and showing the interrelationship between federal and state law in the areas of workers comp, disability insurance, and emergency family and medical leave for possible benefits to employees during the Covid 19 pandemic. The tools for funding by employers include a limited fund for loans and the use of employer withholding tax credits. One important rule: a generalized fear of infection is insufficient to offer protection of legal remedies.
Very timely topics on dealing with COVID in the workplace.
Very helpful thank you!
Lots of good information on a truly emerging area of law.
Instruction is borderline outdated.
Interesting material in these times, well presented.
Solid job with, to me at least, an incredibly dry area of the law. Even LOLed a couple times with the presenter's, "your guess is as good as mine" because it's so accurate, have to laugh or might scream. Thank you!
Very informative and well presented. Thank you!
Thank you!
Very timely. Thank you.
THX TO THE PRESENTER- GOOD JOB
Great course during this time.
Great!
Good presenter! Acknowledges what he/the law does not currently know.
Very comprehensive. Very timely.
Would like to have seen just a bit more elaboration and interpretation.
Liked his no-nonsense style -- very effective
Great information on a developing topic. Unfortunately, as the instructor stated a lot was based on NY state law.
Excellent presentation!
This is a new and changing subject matter; I feel the speaker did a very good job given the uncertainty of the changing landscape regarding COVID-10 relief.
Thank you
Well done- law still evolving!
Great job on such new material!
Very basic but a good review - I know it is expiring soon. Would be good to do an update and review of how the federal COVID leave programs worked. How many people took leave? How many denied?
Good information.
Superb analysis!
The content was (obviously) timely, and I found it informative given that I work with small business employers addressing COVID issues. The presenter was effective and comfortable with presenting.
Great synopsis of a rapidly emerging situation
I do not practice in NY, but it was an informative session.
Very good course.
good course
Great
Excellent overview of evolving, changing law in a time of crisis. Wish the Resource page had hyperlinks when downloaded the course materials PPT. Thank you.
Excellent
Difficult and dry topic.
Very interesting and helpful Thank you
Area is still evolving. Difficult to give answers.
Succinct and informative
Very on point
The information was New York State specific, but very valuable in the context of the uncertainties inherent in COVID-19 pandemic.
Excellent information for current pandemic especially given the speed at which things are evolving.
Nice presentation
I thought the two hyptheticals given were helpful. Also, it is important to emphasize that fear is not enough to trigger protection of these laws. Wow!
Good information.
It is unfortunate that the law does not protect employees who are able to work but have compromised immune systems due to age, chronic illness etc. Hopefully, they will be able to work remotely if possible.
Solid presentation.
Timely and well done course
Insightful!
4 is intended as good
Useful information.
I appreciate the presenter's honesty in addressing questions. This is a fluid topic, and nobody has definitive answers at this juncture. However, his guidance was helpful.
He did a good job for an area of the law that is changing and moving every day
So great
Great topic...looking forward for more related cle
Excellent overview and hypotheticals regarding an emerging area of the law - thank you for putting this together!
Great webinar - current and relevant information. Very helpful!
Too New York law specific.
good presentation
The accompanying slides were excellent. The presenter covered most of the more important points.
Thorough and clear
Thanks.
Informative
Detailed overview of a very timely topic..
This was a great course.
Thank you this was very informative
Very Informative
Im in NYC very helpful