Spencer Johnson McCammon LLP

Topic of the Week

COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance Benefits Changes

Many States have adopted a range of helpful policies to expand access to UI benefits. In addition, the federal government is allowing new options for states to amend their laws to provide UI benefits related to COVID-19.

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Blog of the Week

Social distancing complaints at city businesses flood 311

The few commercial establishments still operating in New York City saw more than 1,500 complaints of inadequate social distancing in a single week, as officials struggle to keep residents of the most densely populated big city in America away from each other.

Thought for the Week

"Ultimately, all workers deserve basic rights and protections. Indeed, the long-term strategy to protect public health, mitigate the risks of future outbreaks, and ensure that the eventual recovery benefits most Americans needs to fix structural problems in the economy and society—and ensure that workers benefit more from growth than they did in the pre-coronavirus economy. Permanent reforms that protect worker rights and increase worker power would create an economy more resilient to challenges such as COVID-19 and are necessary in its aftermath."

– David Madland, Sarah Jane Glynn, Jacob Leibenluft, and Simon Workman

List of the Week

from The Pew Research Center

Unemployment Statistics from 11,537 panelists

• 33% say they or someone in their household has lost their job or suffered a pay cut or reduction in work hours because of the coronavirus.
• 20% say they, or someone in their household, have been laid off or lost a job because of the coronavirus.
• 27% say a member of their household has experienced a pay cut or a reduction in work hours.

Top Five News Headlines

1. Illinois residents should stay home to stop coronavirus. Why are big box stores packed?
2. Senate Democrats Propose Hazard Pay for Essential Workers
3. How Leaders Are Responding to COVID-19 Workplace Disruption
4. Amazon says it may fire workers who violate social distancing guidelines
5. 8-month-long sexual harassment investigation was 'sufficiently expeditious,' 2nd Cir. finds