Paid pandemic sick leave faces unclear future

Families First Coronavirus Response Act set to expire at end of 2020.

Bret Yaw, Board Certified Specialist in Labor and Employment Law at Ford & Harrison LLP

Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) at the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, but it’s unclear whether it will be extended.

FFCRA provides paid sick leave and emergency relief through the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to allow people to take care of themselves or their families if they contract COVID-19, or care for their children if schools or childcare facilities are unavailable due to the virus.

FFCRA is effective through Dec. 31, 2020, but as daily reported cases continue to climb, there has been no indication if it will continue next year, says Bret Yaw, a specialist in labor and employment law at Ford & Harrison LLP.

“It’s yet to be seen whether Congress will extend the Families First Coronavirus Response Act,” Yaw says. “In March, the common thought was that the coronavirus would be around a little bit but we’d be in the clear by summer. That’s proven not to be the case.”

 

continue reading »