Covid-19 & Printing Industry Resources

Four Steps to Take When an Employee Is Diagnosed with COVID-19

As COVID-19 infection rates continue to climb, it’s imperative that organizations respond quickly when an employee is diagnosed.

New Employer Guide For COVID-19 Reopening

Updated July 24, 2020

The State of California published a guidance, “COVID- 19 Employer Playbook for a Safe Reopening.” The guidance provided gives employers the tools they need to open safely and mitigate risks associated with COVID-19.

Download Employer Guide For Reopening

Sample Company Policy PDF

In this Coronavirus (COVID-19) company policy sample, you’ll find guidelines employees should follow during the coronavirus outbreak and temporary alterations of existing sick leave and work from home policies

Download Sample Company Policy PDF

Reopening Your Business Resources

As California moves toward reopening businesses, and as printing has now been designated an essential service by Governor Newsom, printers must implement controls to ensure employees returning to work are safe against contracting COVID-19. Our guide provides recommendations that employers should consider as part of their overall phase-in or full reopening. Note, however, that additional requirements may be mandated by state and local authorities as the economy moves to full reopening.

Download Preparing to Reopen Your Business PDF

How to Support a Grieving Employee

Everyone experiences grief at some point in their life, and yet for being such a common experience, it’s also one that few of us are fully equipped to navigate when it comes. In part, this is because grief is such an overwhelming and horrible experience. Nothing can prepare you for it. You just have to go through it and get through it. Grief is also a unique experience for each person. Everyone has their own path through its stages, and what helped one person work through their grief may not help another.

As an essential industry, print and packaging has continued to function throughout a difficult 2020. And while a COVID-19 vaccination inspires hope for a safer, more productive 2021, experts warn of difficult winter months ahead. Congress is considering end-of-year legislation that would include COVID-19 stimulus and relief measures.

The last major COVID legislation was passed by Congress in April. It is time to update and extend previously passed provisions, and to address new areas of relief and stimulus necessary to a period of recovery. Timing is critical; Congress should not adjourn for 2020 without passing pandemic legislation.

Take Action!

Victory 2.0:

Printing Is Essential In California!

While the national government had indicated that print and packaging was essential in segments, it also stated that states had the ability to adjust those rules. Therefore the three CA affiliates working with RJ Cervantes continued to press Governor Newsom to specifically include print in the latest regulations. We asked many of you to contact your legislative representatives and it worked! I’m happy to report that California has now released the updated critical infrastructure list, and there are a number of areas where the printing/packaging industry fits in. Although it’s not a complete blanket reference, I actually think most of our members will fit into these parameters.

Info For Employers

HR & Compliance Resources

FFCRA Posters – The following posters regarding the new FFCRA are mandatory for employers with fewer than 500 employees.
Employee Rights: Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Family and Medical Leave under The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
Federal Employee Rights: Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Family and Medical Leave under The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
California Agencies Release Guidance on COVID-19
State and local administrative agencies have released guidance to employers regarding wage and hour issues, paid sick leave, disability and unemployment insurance for situations involving the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Employee Letter Templates Allowing Essential Business Work
Click the links to download the letter templates, which can be modified for your use.Template for Notice that Business Is Essential Service

Template Letter for Employees of Essential Businesses

Government Support & Aid

Families First Coronavirus Response Act (HR 6201) “Phase II”
The law includes employer-related leave provisions including Emergency FMLA, Emergency Paid Sick Leave, and refundable tax credits for employers required to provide such leave. Please see a fact sheet by Littler law firm here.
Low-Interest Disaster Loan from U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) or H.R. 6201
All small businesses in the country will be required to give employees two-weeks paid sick time related to COVID-19 causes. The law also provides up to ten-weeks off to care for a child whose school has closed for reasons related to the disease. Please read these three documents carefully, just released yesterday: Fact Sheet for Employees, Fact Sheet for Employers, and Questions and Answers.

Webinars

Many associations, lawyers and HR firms are providing free webinars on important COVID-19 topics. Here are some examples we’ve liked, most are recorded and can be accessed later. Many are reoccurring. If you hear of one you like or would like to share any COVID-19 resources you hear about, please email megan@piasd.org.