Key Labor Laws Enacted in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, several key labor laws were enacted to protect workers and businesses facing challenges due to the crisis.

Family First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)

The FFCRA mandated emergency paid sick leave for employees affected by COVID-19. This act provided up to two weeks of paid sick leave for eligible employees dealing with the virus or caring for someone affected.

Unemployment Benefits Expansion

To address the surge in unemployment caused by the pandemic, many states expanded their unemployment benefits. This included increasing the weekly benefit amount and extending the duration of benefits for those out of work due to COVID-19.

Workplace Safety Regulations

Workplace safety regulations were enhanced to protect employees from exposure to the virus. This included requirements for personal protective equipment, social distancing measures, and sanitation protocols in businesses.

Remote Work Policies

Employers were encouraged to implement remote work policies where possible to reduce the risk of spreading the virus in the workplace.

Understanding these key labor laws is crucial for both workers and businesses to navigate these challenging times effectively.