Introduction

Are you a New York employer struggling to balance the needs of your business with the needs of your employees? The new paid family leave law in New York is set to revolutionize the way employers support their employees’ family lives. As of January 1, 2020, New York State has implemented a comprehensive paid family leave law, which provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a loved one.

The New Law: What’s Changing?

The new law, known as the New York Paid Family Leave (NYPFL) Program, is a significant expansion of the existing Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Under the new law, eligible employees are entitled to take up to 12 weeks of paid family leave to care for a seriously ill family member, a new child, or to bond with a new child.

Key Changes Under the New Law

Here are the key changes under the new law:

• Eligibility

  To be eligible for NYPFL, an employee must have worked for at least 26 weeks in the 52 weeks preceding the start of leave. The employee must also have earned at least 7 times the weekly benefit amount in the 52 weeks preceding the start of leave.

• Benefits

  Benefits under the NYPFL Program are equal to 67% of an employee’s average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $1,000 per week.

• Job Protection

  Employees taking leave under NYPFL are entitled to job protection, meaning they must be restored to their previous job or a comparable position with the same pay, benefits, and other employment terms.

• Paid Leave Types

  There are three types of paid leave under NYPFL: (1) family care, which allows employees to care for a seriously ill family member; (2) parental care, which allows employees to bond with a new child; and (3) family bereavement, which allows employees to care for a deceased family member.

How Does the New Law Affect Employers?

While the new law is designed to benefit employees, it also presents challenges for employers. Here are some key considerations for employers:

Key Challenges for Employers

• Increased Absence and Turnover

  With more employees taking paid leave, employers may see an increase in absenteeism and turnover, which can impact productivity and morale.

• Staffing and Scheduling

  With employees out on leave, employers may need to adjust staffing and scheduling to ensure business continuity.

• Compliance and Record-Keeping

  Employers must comply with the new law’s requirements, including maintaining accurate records of employee leave and providing notice to employees.

Best Practices for Employers

To minimize the impact of the new law on your business, consider the following best practices:

Best Practices for Employers

• Develop a Leave Management Policy

  Create a comprehensive leave management policy that outlines the process for requesting and approving leave, as well as maintaining accurate records.

• Communicate with Employees

  Ensure that employees are informed about the new law and the benefits it provides, as well as the process for requesting and approving leave.

• Plan Ahead

  Anticipate the potential impact of the new law on your business and develop strategies to minimize the disruption.

Conclusion

The new paid family leave law in New York is a significant change for employers, but it’s also an opportunity to support the well-being of your employees and their families. By understanding the key changes under the new law and implementing best practices, you can minimize the impact on your business while ensuring that your employees receive the support they need.

FAQs

Q: What is the effective date of the new paid family leave law in New York?
A: January 1, 2020

Q: How many weeks of paid family leave is an eligible employee entitled to under the new law?
A: Up to 12 weeks

Q: What is the maximum weekly benefit amount under the new law?
A: $1,000 per week

Q: Do employees have job protection under the new law?
A: Yes, employees taking leave under NYPFL are entitled to job protection, meaning they must be restored to their previous job or a comparable position with the same pay, benefits, and other employment terms.

Q: What is the process for requesting and approving leave under the new law?
A: Employees must provide 30 days’ notice to their employer, unless the employer waives this requirement. Employers must approve or deny leave requests in writing.

Q: How does an employer know whether an employee is eligible for paid family leave?
A: Employers can use the NYPFL online calculator to determine an employee’s eligibility.

Additional Resources

For more information on the new paid family leave law in New York, visit the New York State Department of Labor’s website at www.labor.ny.gov.

Groundbreaking Changes at Southwest Airlines: A Shift in Customer Perks

It’s happening: Southwest Airlines will start charging passengers to check bags for the first time.

This stunning reversal shows the low-cost pioneer is willing to part with a customer perk executives have said set it apart from rivals for more than half a century of flying in hopes of increasing revenue.

Southwest’s changes come after months of pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management, which took a stake in the airline last year and won five board seats as it pushed for quick changes at the company, which held on for decades to perks like free checked bags, changeable tickets, and open seating.

For tickets purchased on or after May 28, Southwest customers in all but the top-tier fare class will have to pay to check bags, though there will be exceptions. Elite frequent flyers who hold A-List Preferred status will still get two bags, and A-List level members will get one free checked bag. Southwest credit card holders will also get one free checked bag.

"Two bags fly free" is a registered trademark on Southwest’s website. But its decision to about-face on what executives long cast as a sacrosanct passenger perk brings the largest U.S. domestic carrier in line with its rivals, which together generated more than $5 billion from bag fees last year, according to federal data.

Southwest didn’t say how much it plans to charge to check bags, but a single bag costs $35 to check on Delta, American, and United.

Southwest shares rose 8% Tuesday after its baggage fee announcement and investor update, while other large carriers’ shares and the broader market fell.

Read more CNBC airline news

Southwest executives have long said they didn’t plan to charge for bags, telling Wall Street analysts that it was a major reason why customers chose the airline.

At an investor day in September, Southwest said that it would gain between $1 billion and $1.5 billion from charging for bags but lose $1.8 billion of market share. Southwest said its "rigorous research" found that "our ‘bags fly free’ policy generates market share gains in excess of potential lost revenue from bag fees."

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Conclusion

Southwest Airlines’ decision to charge for checked bags marks a significant shift in its business strategy. The move is likely to impact customer behavior and loyalty, and may lead to a re-evaluation of the airline’s competitive position in the market. As the airline industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Southwest’s decision plays out and what impact it has on the broader industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Southwest Airlines charging for checked bags?
A: Southwest is charging for checked bags to increase revenue and reduce costs.

Q: How much will Southwest charge for checked bags?
A: The airline hasn’t announced its bag fees, but a single bag costs $35 to check on Delta, American, and United.

Q: What are the exceptions to the bag fee?
A: Elite frequent flyers who hold A-List Preferred status will still get two bags, and A-List level members will get one free checked bag. Southwest credit card holders will also get one free checked bag.

Q: How will this change affect customer behavior and loyalty?
A: It’s too early to tell, but the change may lead to a re-evaluation of customer loyalty and behavior.

Airline Industry Sees Weaker Economic Backdrop Impacting Travel Demand

Airlines are cutting their first-quarter profit and sales estimates, citing a weaker economic backdrop that is weighing on travel demand. The news has sent airline shares plummeting in premarket trading.

American Airlines Warns of Wider Losses

American Airlines announced on Tuesday that it expects to lose between 60 cents and 80 cents a share in the first three months of the year, a wider loss than the 20 cents to 40 cents a share it previously forecast. The company also expects revenue to be flat on the year, down from its earlier estimate of a 5% increase.

The forecast is attributed to "the revenue environment has been weaker than initially expected due to the impact of Flight 5342 and softness in the domestic leisure segment, primarily in March," referring to the deadly collision of one of its regional jets and an Army helicopter in Washington D.C. in January.

Delta Air Lines Cuts Estimates

Delta Air Lines also slashed its first-quarter estimates, citing "the recent reduction in consumer and corporate confidence caused by increased macro uncertainty, driving softness in domestic demand." The company’s outlook was impacted by the same economic factors that are affecting American Airlines.

Southwest Airlines Cuts Revenue Guidance

Southwest Airlines also cut its revenue guidance, to up no more than 4%, down from a forecast of as much as 7% for the first quarter over last year.

Industry Trends

In addition to leisure travel, carriers have noted a sharp decline in government travel since the start of the latest Trump administration. This decline is also contributing to the softer demand for air travel.

Conclusion

The airline industry is facing a challenging period, with weaker economic conditions impacting travel demand and revenue. The latest estimates from American, Delta, and Southwest Airlines suggest that the industry’s recovery will be slower than previously expected. As the situation continues to unfold, it will be important to monitor the developments and their impact on the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the reasons for the airline industry’s weaker economic backdrop?
A: The reasons include a reduction in consumer and corporate confidence, increased macro uncertainty, and a decline in government travel.

Q: How are airline shares performing in premarket trading?
A: Airline shares are extending their losses, with Delta down more than 8% and American down nearly 4%.

Q: What is the impact on the airline industry’s recovery?
A: The industry’s recovery is expected to be slower than previously expected, with the latest estimates suggesting a weaker economic backdrop is weighing on travel demand and revenue.