Panelists Brad Hammock, Jim Paretti, and Libby Henninger of Littler Mendelson provided up-to-the-minute suggestions and guidance on the labor and employment implications of the coronavirus pandemic and in light of current law. The panelists outlined current OSHA and CDC guidance for businesses on what to do if an employee became symptomatic or sick with COVID-19, and how businesses are now required to comply with new paid sick leave and emergency Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) mandates. The panelists also detailed the wage and hour considerations mandated by recent legislative actions, and defined key terms and compliance relevant to businesses considering furloughs, layoffs, and temporary reductions and/or alterations in scheduling for exempt and non-exempt employees.

Led by panelists and franchise real estate specialists Rocco Fiorentino, CFE, and Ty Brewster, CFE, the “Landlords and Rent Relief – Outside the Government Relief Packages” webinar focused on the functional aspects of landlord-tenant relationships and lease agreements given high levels of business uncertainty due to Coronavirus/COVID-19. The panelists underscored the need for franchisor clients to equip themselves with knowledge on the terms and provisions of their lease agreements; to know their business, sales, and operations history; and to communicate clearly and strongly with their landlords to negotiate the best possible agreement.