WASHINGTON, D.C. (WPDE) — The US Department of Labor announced Wednesday new measures for American workers and employers struggling during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Officials said workers and employers can benefit from the protections and relief offered by theEmergency Paid Sick Leave Act and Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act,both part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

According to DOL officials, the FFCRA helps the United States "combat workplace effects of COVID-19by reimbursing American private employers that have fewer than 500 employees with tax credits for the cost of providing employees with paid leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19."

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The law also enables employers to keep their workers on their payrolls, ensuring that "workers are not forced to choose between their paychecks and the public health measures needed to combat the virus," officials added.

"The department’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) posted a temporary rule issuing regulations pursuant to this new law, effective today, April 1, 2020," DOL officials said.

WHD administers the paid leave portions of the FFCRA, according to DOL.

“With so many workers and so many employers struggling with the effects of these unprecedented conditions, this rule provides answers and relief,” said Wage and Hour Division Administrator Cheryl Stanton. “We remain committed to providing the information and tools required for employees and employers alike to be fully informed about their rights and protections under this new law.”

WHD will post a recorded webinar on Friday for people interested in learning more about FFCRA. To view the webinar, click here.

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