Since March 2020, COVID-19 has dramatically changed the way we work. Employers and employees face new challenges today that have never existed before. Can a non-essential worker be terminated for refusing to go into work? Is there job protection for primary caregivers who cannot work or cannot work as efficiently because of school closures? When is a worker entitled to paid leave? Can an employer require PPE? Can essential workers with higher risks of COVID-19 complications be required to go into work? Can a part-time worker get unemployment benefits? Does signing a severance agreement impact eligibility for unemployment benefits? Why doesn’t the Department of Labor pick up the phone?
Join Jack Newhouse from Virginia & Ambinder for a discussion on how to navigate these new challenges in the times of COVID-19.
Takeaways:
Addressing various paid and unpaid leave entitlements (e.g., my child’s school is closed due to COVID-19, caring for household member with COVID-19, etc.)
COVID-19 and Anti-Discrimination laws (e.g., disability discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, etc.)
Employee rights as companies begin to reopen (e.g., can I refuse to go back to work? Can I ask for accommodations?)
NYS and Federal Unemployment Insurance Benefits (e.g., Do I qualify? What benefits am I entitled to?)
About Jack:
Jack Newhouse is a partner at Virginia & Ambinder, LLP. He is an experienced litigator committed to helping workers navigate complex employment disputes, including individual and class action claims for unpaid wages and benefits, employment discrimination, and breach of contract.
Mr. Newhouse has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of his clients. He has experience representing a variety of workers in various industries, including construction, nursing, food service, waste collection, moving, exterminating, security, sales, and financial services.
Mr. Newhouse has given employment law trainings at numerous non-profit and public interest organizations, including New York Legal Assistance Group, Palladium, Inc., The Osborne Association, New York City Employment & Training Coalition, and The Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. In addition, he has been selected to the Super Lawyers’ Rising Star list from 2015 through 2018.
