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U.S. Supreme Court Recognizes Anti-Discrimination Protections for LGBTQ Workers in All 50 States in Landmark Decision
On Monday, June 15, the Supreme Court ruled in a 6-to-3 vote that existing federal law, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or transgender status. This decision, Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia, establishes discrimination protections for LGBTQ workers across the country, instituting new protections for…
June 17, 2020 -
Exposed to COVID-19 on the Job? NYS Workers’ Compensation Board Issues New Guidance
With businesses in various phases of re-opening across New York State, workers returning to job sites may wonder if those who contract COVID-19 at work are eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits. New York’s Workers’ Compensation Board issued new guidance for workers that explains what individuals should do if they believe they contracted COVID-19 on the job, and…
June 16, 2020 -
Daycare Still Closed for the Summer? Consider Leave Options under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
As many summer camps and daycare facilities announce their continued closures during summer months, working parents and guardians may find relief from the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Act). The Act extends family and medical leave benefits for eligible employees who are caring for a child whose school or place of care is closed (or…
June 12, 2020 -
Advancing Equity for Black People Once and For All
For nearly 50 years,Levy Ratner has fought racial inequality.We do not plan to stop now. In fact, we will continue to be vocal about dignity and equality for Black people. At Levy Ratner, we as individuals—and we as a firm—are committed to ending racism today and always. We stand in solidarity with those who seek…
June 4, 2020 -
Am I Eligible for $600 Per Week in Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance?
In earlier LR What You Need to Know Now updates here and here, we discussed Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (FPUA), which is the $600 per week extra payment to workers receiving regular unemployment or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits. The $600 benefit will be paid until July 31, 2020, unless the date is extended by…
May 20, 2020 -
Governor Cuomo Announces Limited Initiatives to Address Mental Health Crisis Among Essential Workers
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced new measures to address a mental health crisis among frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The state is partnering with Crisis Text Line, a non-profit providing text message-based mental health support, and the Kate Spade New York Foundation, which provides funding to organizations advocating for mental wellness….
May 15, 2020 -
Levy Ratner Files Amicus Brief on Behalf of SEIU and 1199SEIU Supporting New York Challenge to DOL COVID-19 Regulations
Levy Ratner filed an amicus curiae brief on behalf of the Service Employees International Union and 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East supporting the New York State Attorney General’s lawsuit challenging the Trump Department of Labor’s regulations interpreting the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The amicus brief supports the NYS Attorney General’s argument that the federal…
May 11, 2020 -
Employees Have More Time to Take Action Regarding Health Coverage
The IRS and Department of Labor have issued new regulations, effective May 4, 2020, giving employees more time to make choices concerning their health coverage. The goal is to minimize the chance that workers lose coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic, by failing to meet existing deadlines under health plans. The regulations provide that certain time…
May 1, 2020 -
U.S. Department of Labor Clarifies Worker Eligibility for COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
In earlier LR What You Need to Know Now postings here and here, we discussed the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program under the federal CARES Act. PUA provides unemployment benefits to gig workers, independent contractors, self-employed individuals and workers who have run out of regular unemployment benefits, if they can’t work because of COVID-19 related reasons listed here. On April…
April 30, 2020 -
Congress Prohibits Surprise Billing by Some Healthcare Providers for COVID-19 Care
Maybe it’s happened to you. Before you make an appointment or visit the emergency room, you check to make sure that the doctor or hospital is in-network under your health plan. Weeks later, an out-of-network doctor involved in your care bills you for the difference between the in-network rate your plan paid and the provider’s usual charge. …
April 28, 2020