Wed, 07/29/2020
On May 27, 2020, D.C. Mayor Bowser signed the COVID-19 Support Emergency Amendment Act (“CSEA”), which temporarily amended the D.C. Family Medical Leave Act. The amendment allows an employee who has worked at least 30 days for any employer to take up to 16 weeks of unpaid COVID-19 leave. An employee may take COVID-19 leave to care for themself, care for a family member, or to care for a child whose childcare facility is closed. An employer may request documentation verifying the need for leave, including a doctor’s note or statement from a childcare provider. COVID-19 leave may be taken in addition to the traditional 16 weeks of family and medical leave. CSEA coverage retroactively begins March 11, 2020 and is set to expire on August 25, 2020.
An employer who violates provisions of CSEA may be subject to civil penalties. If you are employed in D.C., or work at least 50% in D.C. and believe your employer has failed to comply with the District’s FMLA amendment, please contact MSE at info@mselaborlaw.com.
