The devastation caused by Hurricane Ian in Florida and the Carolinas is exceptional, but potentially dangerous storms are a frequent occurrence in parts of the US. What responsibilities do employers have in relation to keeping their employees safe, leave and payment when storms strike?
Hurricane Ian's devastating impact on parts of Florida and the Carolinas serves as a reminder that employers should be prepared to address storm-related issues, which can arise if they are required to close their businesses and as they prepare to resume normal operations. For example, employers need to determine whether closing the office means having to pay workers who stay home, being on the hook for unemployment compensation, and whether workers' compensation applies to weather-related injuries.
Does the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) require me to pay employees who miss work because of the weather?
The answer to this question depends on whether the employee is exempt or nonexempt.
Exempt employees: If the business closes because of the weather, the FLSA requires employers to pay an exempt employee his or her regular salary for any shutdown that lasts less than a week. Under the FLSA, an employer cannot deduct an exempt employee's pay based on the quantity or quality of the employee's work or when he or she is ready, willing and able to work but no work is available. Thus, deducting an exempt employee's pay for absences due to a...
— Meanwhile, percentage with "very unfavorable" views of Health Secretary Kennedy is rising Most Americans don't agree with claims that vaccines cause autism, and half view Health Secretary Robert ...