BELLO / WELSH LLP: WORK LAW BLOG

The information on this blog, and the materials published on this website generally, are provided by Bello Welsh for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a lawyer-client relationship.  We strongly recommend that readers seek specific legal counsel before taking any actions that could have legal implications. 

Massachusetts Enacts New COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave Law

A new Massachusetts law providing for COVID-19-related emergency paid sick leave (“EPSL”) was signed into law on May 28.  Effective until the earlier of September 30, 2021 or the exhaustion of $75 M in program funds, as determined by the Commonwealth, employers must offer Massachusetts employees leave time for the reasons set forth below.  Full-time employees […]

COBRA Subsidies under the ARPA: Model Notices and FAQs Published

By John Welsh and Martha J. Zackin As per our recent post, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”) provides fully subsidized health care continuation coverage to certain individuals, among other things.  Those who are eligible for the COBRA subsidy (“assistance-eligible individuals” or “AEIs”) include workers and their dependent family members who lost group health insurance coverage due […]

COBRA Subsidies Under New COVID-19 Relief Legislation, the America Rescue Plan Act of 2021

By John Welsh and Martha J. Zackin The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”), signed into law on March 11, 2021, provides fully subsidized health care continuation coverage to certain individuals.  These “assistance-eligible individuals” or “AEIs,” include workers and their dependent family members who lost group health insurance coverage due to involuntary employment termination […]

News from the Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave

By Alexandra D. Thaler As we approach the new year, the Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave (DFML) is gearing up to begin administering leave requests for time off starting January 1, 2021 by preparing its online benefits application system (which may be piloted in December), updating employers on its responses to frequently asked […]

LGBTQ Individuals Protected from Employment Discrimination under Title VII

By Alexandra D. Thaler In a decision issued on June 15, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court held in the case of Bostock v. Clayton County that Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employment discrimination against individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation or transgender status.

OSHA Reverses Course, Now Requires All Employers to Determine Work-Relatedness of COVID-19 Illness

On May 19, 2020, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued revised guidance for when employers are required to record cases of COVID-19.  As before, COVID-19 is a recordable illness if: The case is a confirmed case of COVID-19, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; The case is work-related; and The […]