US Department of Labor offers webinars for Kansas City area on coronavirus-related employee protections during the pandemic

KANSAS CITY, KS – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division, its Occupational Safety and Health Administration and its Employee Benefits Security Administration will host representatives of the IRS, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to present a series of webinars for Kansas City-area employers and human resources professionals on each agency’s continued response during the coronavirus pandemic.

Employers, business owners and other stakeholders are encouraged to join the two-day “Essential Workers-Essential Protections Conference” on May 26 and 27. The seminar will take place from 1 to 2:45 p.m. CDT, each day. Attendance is free but advance registration is required. The events will also include time for questions and answers.

Wage and Hour Division representatives will provide an overview on critical workplace protections and the rights of essential workers who are keeping the country moving forward during the pandemic.

OSHA will provide information on workplace safety and health compliance with an emphasis on OSHA’s coronavirus response, training, resources and outreach.

The Employee Benefits Security Administration webcast will explain COBRA premium subsidies available under the American Rescue Plan Act for individuals who experienced an involuntary termination of employment or a reduction in hours.

The IRS will provide information about the 2021 Advance Child Tax Credit, what qualifications are needed and the implementation of the program.

The SBA will provide a guide on relief efforts available to small business owners and certain non-profits including the Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loan, Shuttered Venue Operators Grants, Restaurant Revitalization Fund, and debt or fee relief for traditional SBA loan products.

The EEOC will provide an overview of the impact of the coronavirus on laws enforced by the commission including issues around medical testing, screening, vaccines and reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and EEOC coronavirus resources.

Register for the Essential Workers-Essential Protections Conference.