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COVID-19 has exposed many of our society’s underlying problems. And with these concerns, a particular demographic has been disproportionately affected -- women.

As coronavirus continues to rage throughout the world, many experts are starting to speculate on when and how to loosen federal, state and municipal restrictions on movement and business. “Contact tracing” is a critical piece of that puzzle.

After an avalanche of complaints regarding technical issues and the inability to reach representatives to complete Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (“PUA”) applications, the state has rolled out a new, streamlined application process for those eligible for PUA.

Understanding workers’ compensation relating to COVID-19.

The hardest hit demographic during the coronavirus pandemic has been the world’s elderly population, but what can be missing from the reporting is the precarious employment of many domestic workers and senior caregivers whose work has been affected by the lockdowns. Domestic care workers are eligible for unemployment insurance in New York, and we encourage those who have been laid off to apply.

Watch this recorded presentation delivered by Associate Alex Berke to the Fordham Workers’ Rights Advocates on April 16, 2020. Alex discussed frequently asked COVID-19 legal questions.

Currently only some federal employees are legally entitled to hazard pay, but there are some proposals in Congress to change that.

Tradition is a hard thing to break, and in some industries, it is proving especially difficult during the coronavirus lockdown that is affecting most of the world. Even “Essential Businesses” in New York, which are allowed to remain open, should be utilizing remote work to the extent possible, and all businesses should be following safety precautions. If you feel unsafe at work, get in touch with us to understand your rights and options.

Here is a video of the CLE provided by Associate Alex Berke through the Dutchess County and Westchester County Bar Associations on April 1, 2020. It contains information on New York State Paid Family Leave, the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act expansion, and general information for employers on how to think through questions about their employees.

Overview of applying for unemployment benefits at this time.

This blog post is meant to provide a framework for health care workers who are not directly providing care to COVID patients to have a productive conversation with employers in support of a request to work remotely.

With expanded Federal paid sick and family leave laws going into effect on Wednesday, April 1st, learn about what both the Federal and New York State laws offer to employees and require for employers.