Government agencies respond to COVID-19 crisis

Federal agencies continue to tackle the unique challenges the COVID-19 pandemic is causing for employers. Working remotely, agency leaders have had to change the way they carry out their missions. Often finding themselves at the forefront of the government’s response, they have shown surprising capabilities.

EEOC continually updates employer guidance

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is open for business, although its employees are teleworking. In response to the pandemic, the agency has paused its investigations and suspended the issuance of right-to-sue letters.

The EEOC also issued COVID-19 guidance, which addressed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act, and other equal employment opportunity (EEO) laws. The agency offered unusual flexibility, e.g., allowing employers to take temperatures and ask employees about potential symptoms, and it has updated the guidance as needed. As part of the latest guidance, the agency reminded employers of their obligation to provide reasonable accommodations.

In response to complaints about Asian Americans being harassed because the coronavirus may have originated in China, EEOC Chair Janet Dhillon issued a statement warning about harassment and discrimination based on ethnicity. The agency is currently tracking the complaints.

OFCCP continues audits but responds to contractor concerns