COVID-19
Federal – Treasury Secretary Mnuchin is leading negotiations with Congressional Democrats on a federal relief package. Approval of an initial package is expected in the coming days and is likely to include free coronavirus testing, a temporary paid leave program for employers with less than 500 employees (two weeks of sick leave and up to three months of family leave), expanded unemployment benefits and programs, school lunches for those who need them and a boost in Medicaid funding. This U.S. Senate is likely to amend the House version of the bill. It’s unclear what the final bill will include. There is also discussion of a bailout program for impacted industries; however, that will likely not be included in this bill. More details.
State Actions – Many states have not waited for federal action and are leading efforts to get ahead of outbreaks. The National Governors Association has compiled one of the most comprehensive lists of all major actions taken by states and the National Conference of State Legislatures has compiled a list of all pending legislation related to COVID-19. Expect these lists to expand dramatically in the coming weeks with states borrowing best practices from one another.
Paid Leave – Specific actions at the state level are included in the paid leave section below. Of note, Colorado Governor Polis has used his emergency powers to mandate four days of paid sick leave for hospitality workers in the state. Other states may follow that path. More broadly, the editorial pages of virtually every major publication – the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, the Washington Post – in the past two weeks have linked the potential spread of coronavirus to a lack of paid sick leave for entry-level workers. There seems to be growing consensus around the need for paid sick leave, even if the policy is temporary. This narrative, backed by CDC recommendations, is driving federal and state action. More Align analysis here.
Corporate Responses – Many companies have worked to get ahead of these paid leave conversations, elevating expectations for other brands. Some have made temporary commitments and others have made long-term policy changes. Both are likely to have long-term impacts on the expectations of employees and the marketplace. Many brands have also made a number of operational announcements, particularly related to increased cleaning and sanitation efforts. More details.
Closures / Social Spacing Requirements – Many retailers are voluntarily ramping up delivery and pickup while shutting down, or limiting, dining and shopping areas. Meanwhile, states and localities are forcing the closure of some retail outlets, enforcing curfews and taking steps to require social spacing caps on gatherings. This is a trendline that is likely to continue. More details.
Resources – A number of trade groups have set up information pages that have up-to-date links and resources: National Retail Federation, American Hotel and Lodging Association and National Restaurant Association. As noted earlier, the National Governors Association has an informative page of state actions. The National Conference of State Legislatures has a running list of legislation related to COVID-19 and U.S. Conference of Mayors has compiled a list of best practices for cities.
Wages
Hawaii – A senate committee approved legislation previously passed by the full house to increase the minimum wage to $13/hr by 2024. The bill leaves the current tip credit of $.75/hr.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Rhode Island – The governor signed legislation to increase the state minimum wage rate to $11.50/hr by Oct. 1, 2020. It maintains the current tip credit.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Virginia – On the last night of the session, compromise legislation was passed increasing the minimum wage to $12.00/hr by 2023.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Paid Leave
Colorado – The governor declared a state of emergency, and through his emergency powers is requiring that hospitality employers (among others) provide four days of paid sick leave for workers.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Illinois – The governor indicated this week that he will use his emergency powers to extend paid sick leave to workers in the state.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Ohio – House Democrats called on the governor this week to use his emergency powers and create a temporary paid sick leave program in the state.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Virginia – The Virginia legislature adjourned for the year without approving a paid leave mandate.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Kentucky – Democratic lawmakers are calling upon state leaders to approve a paid sick leave mandate.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Labor Policy
Florida – Legislation passed the senate that would require employers to use the federal E-Verify system to vet new hires.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Chicago, IL – The city released their proposed rules related to the recently-passed scheduling ordinance.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Labor Activism
McDonald’s – The Fight for $15 campaign is leveraging the coronavirus outbreak to demand concessions from the company including paid and sick leave, new safety protocols and monetary support in the event of closures and/or reduction in hours.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Privacy
Washington – With legislative session adjourning this week, state lawmakers failed to pass digital privacy legislation that would have, among other provisions, allowed consumers to demand companies delete their data.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe