For employers that have hourly employees working from home, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has released guidance to clarify your obligations to track an employee's teleworking hours. The guidance can be read here.

Other useful information about the DOL's response to the coronavirus pandemic including OSHA's guidance on preparing workplaces for COVID-19 can be found here.

Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, employees may be eligible for up to 10 weeks of paid family leave if time away from work is necessary due to specific reasons related to COVID-19. Having a son or daughter whose school is not open due to coronavirus concerns can qualify an employee for paid leave, so as the 2020-2021 school year begins the US Department of Labor updated their Frequently Asked Questions page to answer specific return to school questions including whether an employee is eligible for paid family leave when their child’s school is operating remotely or using a hybrid model. You can read the updated FAQ here. 

Members now have access to higher FedEx discounts off list rates than ever before. When you sign up for the NOACC Chamber Shipping Program, you’ll save 45% on FedEx Express and 25% on FedEx Ground. If you’re currently using the program, be sure to re-enroll to get the improved discounts. With all of the challenges businesses are facing right now, it’s more important than ever to take advantage of cost-saving benefits. Whether you’re shipping orders to customers, getting shipments in from suppliers, or managing customer returns, you’ll be able to reduce your costs.