Steven Mitchell Sack, “The Employee’s Lawyer,” says a U.S. District Court judge’s decision to strike down the U.S. Department of Labor’s stringent requirements as to who is eligible for coronavirus-related leave will give workers the ability to take off from work when needed.
On August 3, Paul Oetken, Justice, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, ruled that the Labor Department was overly strict in its eligibility requirements under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. For example, the agency cannot prevent workers from taking leave if there is no work for them to perform. Also, the DOL was partially blocked from limiting “intermittent” leave and requiring employees to give a full description as to why they are requesting time off for work.
“This is a definite win for workers who may need to take leave to take care of themselves or a loved one,” Mr. Sack says. “No one should have to explain themselves or jump through hoops if they need a few days off. If you believe you were unfairly denied time off under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, please consult an employment law attorney.”
