We have been reaching out to the Governor and regulators to recognize moving companies as ‘Essential Services’ for consumers in need; this week I asked him to lift the ban in Bergen county, which he did. We asked DCA to suspend the requirement for a physical estimates, it is being considered, and our message asked ‘Please don’t shut down moving industry, if a Shelter in Place’ order is issued, consumers may need public movers’.
It hurts us knowing so many people are affected by the COVID19 virus, especially that movers are severely impacted by the COVID19 restrictions that caused an economic shutdown and has burdened employers to pay key employees. There is no manual to deal with this event and no words of comfort. We can only pray that all of you are safe and business will soon return. Here are some updates on recent COVID-19 information:
Governor Murphy Just Halted all evictions in NJ, and new bills passed for Economic relief waiting to be signed;
Bill A3846 Creates "Temporary Lost Wage Unemployment Program" to allow persons to claim for lost wages due to the coronavirus disease 2019; A3841 automatically extends time to file gross income tax or corporation business tax return if federal government extends filing or payment due date for federal returns; A-3848: A3848 Concerns time off from work in connection with infectious disease COVID-19
Our health care partner, Association Master Trust (AMT), has reached out to share their resources in an effort to help NJWMA members in these unprecedented times. For participants in our health benefits plan, AMT is providing real relief for costs associated with coronavirus. They are waiving testing costs and mitigating copays. Can't get to your doctor's office? Participants can access virtual medical or behavioral health care anytime via video, phone or chat, with their Horizon CareOnline benefit. Contact them at 973-379-1090 or www.amt-nj.com
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NEW FEDERAL LEGISLATION:
President Trump signed into law the much-anticipated coronavirus relief package. While the new law will provide relief to many Americans, the law is not nearly as rich as workers would like and is narrowly tailored to help business owners stay afloat during these uncertain times.
What type of leave is required
The new law provides qualified workers with paid sick leave if:
- they are ill with coronavirus;
- they are quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus;
- they are caring for sick family members with coronavirus;
- they are caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of coronavirus.
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How much time and pay must be provided
If you work for the government or for a company with fewer than 500 employees, you will be eligible for 10 days of sick leave (80 hours for full time employees, part time employees receive the number of hours normally worked in a 2 week period of time) at your regular pay rate to either quarantine, or to seek a COVID-19 diagnosis or preventive care for yourself.
You will also be eligible for 10 days of paid sick leave at no less than two-thirds your regular pay rate if you are caring for a family member with a COVID-19 diagnosis, or to care for a child whose school or daycare has closed as a result of coronavirus concerns.
Additionally, an expanded Family and Medical Leave Act will provide government employees and those who have worked for companies with fewer than 500 employees for at least 30 days with 12 weeks of emergency paid leave to care for children whose schools or daycare facilities were closed.
Who is exempt
The Department of Labor can exempt businesses with fewer than 50 employees from providing workers with paid emergency leave “when the imposition of such requirements would jeopardize the viability of the business.” Companies with more than 500 employees are also excluded from the paid leave mandate. Employers with less than 50 employees who wish to apply for an exemption to the paid leave mandate because it will jeopardize the viability of their business must contact the Department of Labor to obtain the exemption.
Tax credits and reimbursements for employers
Although employers are responsible to front the cost of paid sick leave, the bill does provide relief for employers down the road. Employers providing the paid leave will be eligible for reimbursement tax credits from the government. For paid sick leave wages provided to employees who must quarantine because they are sick with COVID-19 or are trying to obtain a diagnosis, employers will also be reimbursed up to $511 per employee per day. For paid sick leave wages provided to employees caring for loved ones, employers will be reimbursed up to $200 per worker per day. Self-employed individuals are also eligible for the reimbursable tax credits.
When does the law go into effect
President Trump signed the bill into law on March 18, 2020. The paid leave provisions are expected to go into effect on April 2, 2020.
Who may be denied leave
Employers may refuse to give leave to workers needed to respond to the health crisis such as health care providers and emergency responders.
How long is the law in effect
The new law was passed in direct response to the coronavirus pandemic and is a temporary mandate. It only applies to employees directly impacted by this pandemic with an expiration date of December 31, 2020.
Contact Deena B. Rosendahl by email before making any employment decisions in order to remain legally compliant.
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