FFCRA Update: DOL Now Enforcing Federal Paid Leave Law

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently announced it would end a temporary non-enforcement of the new federal paid leave law. Following a period of education and guidance, the DOL has begun enforcing employer paid leave obligations under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

“With millions of Americans eligible for new and expanded leave programs, the U.S. Department of Labor is working tirelessly to answer the public’s questions and conduct outreach to groups and individuals so that employers nationwide provide employees with the benefits they need,” Wage and Hour Division Administrator Cheryl Stanton said in the announcement.

Already, federal officials have received “hundreds of complaints,” Stanton said. The legislation went into effect at the beginning of April and expires at the end of 2020.

Coming Soon: GovDocs Paid Leave

FFCRA Basics

The legislation applies to businesses with fewer than 500 employees and includes both paid sick leave and family and medical leave because of issues related to the coronavirus.

While paid family and medical leave is unpaid for the first 10 days, the paid sick leave would cover that timeframe.

In terms of paid sick leave, full-time employees are eligible for 80 hours, which can be taken immediately. Part-time employees are eligible for a pro-rata portion of this.

Under the paid family and medical leave portion of the bill, workers who have been employed for at least 30 days are eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid leave.

Check out our previous blog on the FFCRA for specifics on the law, including eligible reasons for usage.

DOL Enforcement

Though the DOL plans to continue its efforts to educate employers, enforcement of the FFCRA provisions is underway.

Previously, the DOL had said it would not act on violations so long as the employer made a reasonable, good faith effort to comply with the FFCRA. Now, employees who believe their employer is in violation of the legislation are encouraged to contact federal officials about any potential issues.

Employers found in violation of the FFCRA will be subject to the penalties and enforcement described in Sections 16 and 17 of the Fair Labor Standards Act, according to the DOL. That can include:

• Fines up to $10,000
• Imprisonment for a second violation
• Potential civil penalties

The announcement to begin enforcing the provisions of the FFCRA means employers should review their policies and procedures to remain compliant.

Also note that many jurisdictions have updated their paid leave laws to include reasons related to COVID-19.

Related Coronavirus Employment Law News Blogs

• Coronavirus: What Employers Should Know
• Coronavirus: U.S. House Passes Bill for Emergency Paid Leave
• COVID-19: Colorado, New York Combat Coronavirus with Emergency Paid Sick Leave
• Coronavirus: DOL Issues Guidance on Emergency Paid Leave Act
• DOL Issues Additional Guidance on Families First Coronavirus Response Act
• What Does the Coronavirus Stimulus Package Mean for Employers?
• Companies Doing Good During the Coronavirus Pandemic
• DOL Issues Temporary Rule on Families First Coronavirus Response Act
• New Virginia Minimum Wage: Effective Date Could Change Due to Coronavirus
• Coronavirus Update: States Start Reopening Economies 

This Employment Law News Blog is intended for market awareness only, it is not to be used for legal advice or counsel.