Many construction projects are being closed in Pennsylvania, meaning work stoppages. The following are government resources (federal, state, and city levels) regarding employers’ and employee’s rights and access to aid/funding due to loss of work in response to coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. The Act takes effect on April 1, 2020. Specific fact sheets are linked below, and a general FAQ page is here:

 

FOR EMPLOYERS

US Federal Resources

The FFCRA requires certain employers with fewer than 500 employees to provide employees with paid sick leave. Learn how the Act affects employers.

 

Small Businesses in the US are eligible for funding from the Federal Government through the Small Business Emergency Funding Program:

 

Pennsylvania State Resources

Pennsylvania has the following Frequently Asked Questions for employers:

 

City of Philadelphia Resources

The City of Philadelphia has set up emergency funding for businesses through the Philadelphia COVID Relief Fund:

 

Visit the City of Philadelphia’s COVID-19 Interim Planning Guidance for Employers

 

FOR EMPLOYEES

US Federal Resources

The FFCRA requires that certain employers provide employees with paid sick leave. Learn  how this Act affect employees:

 

Pennsylvania State Resources

Workers employed in Pennsylvania that are unable to work due to the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the state’s response to the situation may be eligible for Unemployment Compensation (UC) benefits.

Workers may be eligible for UC benefits if any of the following conditions apply:

  • Your employer temporarily closes or goes out of business because of COVID-19
  • Your employer reduces your hours because of COVID-19
  • You have been told not to work because your employer feels you might get or spread COVID-19
  • You have been told to quarantine or self-isolate, or live/work in a county under government-recommended mitigation efforts

 

Two major changes to receiving UC benefits have been put into effect because of COVID-19. Beginning March 16, 2020:

  • Work Search and Work Registration requirements have been temporarily suspended for all UC claimants.
  • The Waiting Week requirement has also been temporarily suspended. This means that new claimants who are approved for UC benefits will receive payment for their first week of unemployment.

 

For more information on UC benefits eligibility due to COVID-19 response, visit Pennsylvania’s Frequently Asked Questions page:

 

Visit the PA Office of Unemployment Compensation page for employees impacted by COVID-19: