The analysts say that no other country is becoming jobless as much as America. Why? The haphazard and unplanned government measures that are unable to take care of its citizens are causing an upheaval in the life of people, which are causing fear, instability, and the obvious pain due to inadequate finances. It might be the time when one might want to seek an employment attorney to stay on the safe side.
The New York time reads that the main reason why the Americans are becoming jobless so quickly is that the Government is failing to support and secure the jobs of its citizens adequately.
Jump in the US unemployment rate!
The unemployment rate jumped to a surprising 4.4% in just one month. 4.4 million Americans have filed for jobless insurance claims already, and the numbers are rising each day. The novel Coronavirus is taking a toll on businesses to run smoothly, Travel & tourism, hotel management, and the food industry (restaurants and bars) are the most heavily hit.
The question arises, what has the US Government done so far to protect the jobs of its citizens?
The US Labor Department for Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released a set of guidelines for workforces to implement in a measure to fight the economic crisis caused due to the pandemic. The US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) played an active role in deciding the measures by OSHA.
Not only this, following the prompt action by the President Mr. Donald Trump, a new set of flexibility rules are also now in action to render support to the workforce. These are concerning the Unemployment Insurance claims and other support due to the novel Coronavirus, where the labor and employment law is currently changing with temporary provisions.
The new rule provides benefits in multiple scenarios that are in compliance with the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) that implements the Emergency Paid sick Leave Act and Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act. In this, a citizen of America who is employed and is working is liable to get the following benefits:
- Paid Leaves as per the guidelines of Families First Coronavirus Response Act FFCRA
- In case of applying for paid leaves following scenarios are accepted where 80 hours of paid sick leave is granted:
– If an employee is seeking to get paid leave because he or she has children, and there is no one else to take care of them is liable to get the benefit.
– An employee is a patient or seeking medical attention due to the probability of being affected by the virus.
– The employee is given orders by the Government to self-quarantine or is advised by the health care advisor to self-isolate. - If the employee is taking care of his children, he or she is eligible to apply for paid seek leaves of up to 10 weeks.
It is applicable only in the case where the schools or place of care is closed, and there is no caretaker to take care of the children due to the situations arising from COVID-19. An employee is allowed a maximum of 10 weeks paid and 2 weeks of unpaid leave according to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).
One may consider hiring a lawyer in case of requesting leaves or other benefits from the US Government. The rules are changing and are still in transition. A lawyer can be of great help in such scenarios.
An employment rights lawyer can help you in such critical times. Kirakosian Law Firm in LA has been taking care of its clients in sensitive times such as these where they are working 24/7 to help their clients, amid curfews and lockdowns.
These blogs are meant purely for educational purposes. They contain only general information about legal matters. They are not legal advice, and should not be treated as such. If you have any specific questions about any legal matter you should consult with an attorney.