Murtha Cullina LLP

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April 20, 2020

On Friday, April 17, 2020, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) updated its guidance on COVID-19 issues and equal employment opportunity (EEO) laws. The easy to read Q&A format is necessary reading for essential employers whose physical workspaces remain open, and for employers contemplating re-opening plans or personnel changes. The EEOC’s guidance clarifies that EEO laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), continue to apply during the pandemic while recognizing that…

Employment Law Perspectives

Connecticut Sexual Harassment Training Deadlines Postponed Due to Pandemic

By Matthew K. Curtin, Salvatore G. Gangemi, Patricia E. Reilly & Adam D. Friedland

April 15, 2020

The Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) recently extended the deadline for employers to conduct mandatory sexual harassment training by 90 days. The extension applies to employees hired after the October 1, 2019 enactment of Connecticut “Time’s Up Act.” For an employer to avail itself of the extension, it will have to explain exactly how COVID-19 precluded training. Neither cost nor mobility should be hurdles, as the CHRO provides free, remote, online training…

Employment Law Perspectives

Cuomo Orders Employers to Provide “Face Coverings” for External-facing Employees

By Salvatore G. Gangemi & Adam D. Friedland

April 15, 2020

Governor Cuomo’s most recent executive order requires employees “present in the workplace” to wear “face coverings” when in “direct contact with customers or members of the public.” The order further requires that employers pay for and provide such face coverings. The order is effective Wednesday night, April 15, 2020 at 8:00pm.…

Employment Law Perspectives

Permanent Paid Sick Leave Coming to New York State in 2021

By Salvatore G. Gangemi & Adam D. Friedland

April 14, 2020

On April 3, 2020, Governor Cuomo signed the 2021 New York State budget, which included paid sick leave for employees in New York State. Yes – paid sick leave that can be taken for normal, non-pandemic illnesses, among other reasons. While society remains upended by COVID-19, Governor Cuomo stated, “we have to be able to walk and chew gum. We have to move forward at the same time and that’s why passing the budget…

Employment Law Perspectives

Connecticut Issues Binding Safe Workplace Rules for Essential Employers

By Matthew K. Curtin, Salvatore G. Gangemi, Patricia E. Reilly & Adam D. Friedland

April 10, 2020

On Tuesday, April 7, 2020, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order 7V, ordering Connecticut employers to take “additional protective measures to reduce the risk” of COVID-19 transmission. The Department of Economic and Community Development supplemented the Executive Order with its “Safe Workplace Rules for Essential Employers,” i.e., specific, “legally binding statewide rules prescribing such additional protective measures.”…

Family Business Perspectives

Does Your Family-Owned Business’s Buy-Sell Agreement Restrict Transfers Of Shares By Gift?

By Michael P. Connolly

April 10, 2020

Family-owned business shareholders often enter into buy-sell agreements that provide the terms on which an owner can or must sell his or her shares. Such agreements usually restrict an owner’s ability to sell shares to third parties without first offering them to the company or other shareholders. Rights of offer are also often specifically triggered upon a shareholder’s death. Finally, these agreements typically spell out the timing and source of the payment by the purchasing…

Employment Law Perspectives

DOL Issues Temporary Regulations Detailing FFCRA Paid Leave Rules

By Patricia E. Reilly, Salvatore G. Gangemi, Matthew K. Curtin & Adam D. Friedland

April 4, 2020

The Families First Coronavirus Relief Act’s (“FFCRA”) swift enactment left employers scrambling to interpret its provisions. Fortunately, the Department of Labor has issued temporary regulations that resolve many common questions and scenarios. Final regulations are expected on April 6th. The FFCRA provides two types of paid leave: the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (“EPSLA”) and Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (“EFMLEA”). You can read about the basic provisions of FFCRA here. This…

Family Business Perspectives

Does Your Family-Owned Business’s Lease Reflect An Appropriate Rental Value?

By Michael P. Connolly

April 3, 2020

Family-owned enterprises often place real estate assets and operating businesses into separate entities, with the real estate company leasing space to the operating company. In such instances, the owners or managers need to agree upon what rent the operating business will pay to the real estate company. The rental amount will then affect the funds available for use or distribution at each company level. Without agreement on the proper amount of rent, or without equal…

Employment Law Perspectives

Department of Labor Continues to Update FAQ Concerning Families First Coronavirus Response Act

By Matthew K. Curtin, Salvatore G. Gangemi & Patricia E. Reilly

March 31, 2020

The federal Department of Labor (DOL) continues to update its Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) FAQ leading up to the April 1, 2020 implementation. Over the past week, the DOL has supplemented the FFCRA FAQ several times to provide guidance and clarifications concerning lingering questions. Some of the recent clarifications we find helpful are below.…

Employment Law Perspectives

Senate Passes Massive Coronavirus Aid Package; Would Provide Financial Relief for Employers and Employees

By Matthew K. Curtin, Salvatore G. Gangemi, Patricia E. Reilly & Adam D. Friedland

March 26, 2020

On Wednesday night, the Senate passed unanimously (96-0) a $2 trillion emergency relief bill. The measure would constitute the largest economic stimulus package in U.S. history. Key provisions include:…

Murtha Cullina LLP

EEOC Releases Updated COVID-19 Guidance

Connecticut Sexual Harassment Training Deadlines Postponed Due to Pandemic

Cuomo Orders Employers to Provide “Face Coverings” for External-facing Employees

Permanent Paid Sick Leave Coming to New York State in 2021

Connecticut Issues Binding Safe Workplace Rules for Essential Employers

Does Your Family-Owned Business’s Buy-Sell Agreement Restrict Transfers Of Shares By Gift?

DOL Issues Temporary Regulations Detailing FFCRA Paid Leave Rules

Does Your Family-Owned Business’s Lease Reflect An Appropriate Rental Value?

Department of Labor Continues to Update FAQ Concerning Families First Coronavirus Response Act

Senate Passes Massive Coronavirus Aid Package; Would Provide Financial Relief for Employers and Employees

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