We are going through events that the world has never experienced before. COVID-19 has disrupted our lives and our jobs. The positive side of all this is that we are going through this together. It is our strength in the face of adversity that will see us through and make us stronger.
If you are laid off due to coronavirus, Ohio considers you to be unemployed and you are eligible to
apply for benefits without being subject to the usual requirement that you seek work. That also applies in cases in which companies determine they need to shut down operations. The state is also waiving a one-week delay in unemployment benefits and expediting payments. The cost will be
mutualized and the state will waive penalties for individual businesses.
As of the writing of this blog, Congress is considering updating the Family and Medical Leave act to include 80 hours of paid sick leave for full time employees (or pro rata for part time employees) for those diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19 or those caring with a family member who has been affected.
The Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council continues to monitor the situation, especialy with regard to workers and their jobs. If you are at increased risk of infection because of your job, or your employer is not taking adequate measures to protect you or offer you adequate paid leave, let us know. We are here to serve you and help you, your family and your co-workers through these
challenges.
