Coronavirus Outbreak
At the moment, the Coronavirus outbreak threatens jobs as well as lives for many around the world. So far, the virus has infected more than one million people. The United States records around four hundred and nineteen thousand, nine hundred, and seventy-five confirmed cases. It has the highest numbers of the infection.
According to the United Nations, people have lost more than twenty-five million jobs worldwide. Janet Yellen, an ex-Federal Reserve Manager, says unemployment has risen to 13% in the U.S. As the outbreak hits hard, workers are now worried about their job security, safety, and health. For instance, Amazon has confirmed several infected workers.
Testing of workers begins
Following the news confirmed by Amazon, e-commerce giant, they started testing their workers as of 2nd April. Amazon confirmed a COVID-19 case in a warehouse at Queens, New York. Now, they have to impose strict measures to curb the spread of the virus to other workers. The company speculates to test hundreds of thousands of employees in a day. They are using no-contact forehead thermometers to check for fever.
Amazon chief executive will give the infected workers a fourteen-day paid leave for quarantine. However, some employees are claiming they have been sent home because of the fever, with no pay. As of 8th April, Amazon says the payment is underway for the sick workers. Besides, other companies like Walmart, Starbucks, and Home Depot are not left behind. They have launched their approaches to test employees on a large scale.
Many are now concerned about the rights of the employees. Questions arise as some employers send workers home with no pay for having a fever. Besides, the CNBC Make It talked with an employment attorney to check out employees’ rights.
The employees pay issue
Every employee deserves payment for his or her done work. Whether workers exhibit fevers or not, they are guaranteed a paid sick leave. However, this depends on the set law, current agreement with the employer. It can also depend on the set of laws passed through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
According to the new bill, employers with less than five hundred workers should provide full-time employees with paid leave. The leave runs for at least two weeks if they are sick from the virus. Conversely, the policy excludes around 48% of private-sector workers, especially those who work in companies with more than 500 workers.
Companies with less than fifty employees are to seek exemption from the White House. They do not have to provide workers with paid time off. Additionally, Gig economy employees are not guaranteed relief.
Conclusion
Most Companies have now revised their policies to give sick employees paid leave. It is an excellent move to assist those infected with the virus. Unfortunately, if you are sent home without pay for having the fever, it is recommendable you check paid sick leave laws.
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