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Metro Atlanta Dunkin’ location forced to pay back sick leave for worker with coronavirus

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga/ — The U.S. Department of Labor stepped in to settle a dispute between a metro Atlanta Dunkin’ location and an employee who was diagnosed with COVID-19.

The employee accused the Suwanee location of not paying more than $1,000 in emergency paid sick leave after the employee had to self quarantine after receiving the diagnosis.

The USDOL’s Wage and Hour Division said Dunkin’ violated “requirements of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act by denying the paid sick leave.”

After WHD contacted the employer, they agreed to pay the $1,040 in back wages and comply with the FFCRA’s requirements in the future.

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“The U.S. Department of Labor is protecting the American workforce during the coronavirus pandemic by ensuring employers comply with all of the requirements of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Steven Salazar, in Atlanta, Georgia. “The Wage and Hour Division encourages employers to use the multiple tools we offer to gain a clear understanding of their responsibilities under this new law, and avoid violations.”

The FFCRA helps the U.S. combat and defeat the workplace effects of the coronavirus by giving tax credits to American businesses with fewer than 500 employees either to provide employees with paid leave for the employee’s own health needs or to care for family members.

Please visit WHD’s “Quick Benefits Tips” for information about how much leave workers may qualify to use, and the wages employers must pay.

The law enables employers to provide paid leave reimbursed by tax credits, while at the same time ensuring that workers are not forced to choose between their paychecks and the public health measures needed to combat the virus.

LEARN MORE HERE.