DOL Enforces FFCRA

May 14, 2020

By: Barbara Wells

The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced it successfully pursued an Indiana trucking company for a violation of the Emergency Paid Sick Leave provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). As a result of DOL action, a truck driver received $3,017 in back wages after the company denied him emergency paid sick leave. The truck driver had been off work because he was experiencing corona virus symptoms and seeking a medical diagnosis.

“Employers must take all necessary steps to comply with the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and provide employees paid sick leave to care for themselves and family members when required,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Patricia Lewis, in Indianapolis, Indiana. “We encourage all employers to contact the Wage and Hour Division to better understand their responsibilities under this new law so that they can avoid similar violations.”

Employers must take the requirements of the FFCRA seriously and understand what it requires through the end of 2020. The DOL Wage & Hour Division can and will see that you follow this law. Make sure your employees know their rights under this law and provide postings in the workplace about it.