Worldwide ERC® Joins Trade Association Advocacy for Liability Protection in the Next Stimulus Package
Eric House - Jul 31 2020This week, Worldwide ERC® signed onto a letter led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce calling on Congress to provide employer liability protections against Coronavirus-related lawsuits.
This week, Worldwide ERC® signed onto a letter signed by 480 trade associations led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce calling on Congress to provide employer liability protections against Coronavirus-related lawsuits. This comes as Congress is currently debating its fourth economic stimulus package following a new proposal from Senate Republicans that includes the Safe to Work Act, a bill that would ensure liability protection for businesses. Worldwide ERC® previously advocated for employer liability protections in our letters to Congressional leaders ahead of planning for the fourth stimulus package
The U.S. Congress continues working to form another economic stimulus package to boost the economy and provide much-needed relief to businesses and individuals suffering from the financial damage wrought by COVID. Such damage includes Coronavirus-related lawsuits that are already putting employers at further financial risk as they work to comply with safety laws.
Worldwide ERC® signed onto the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s letter that calls on Congress to provide the employer liability protections outlined in the Safe to Work Act, stressing “timely, targeted and temporary liability relief provisions.” The groups wrote that “[O]ur members and constituencies remain concerned that, despite doing their best to follow applicable government guidelines, they will be forced to defend against an onslaught of frivolous lawsuits. Unfortunately, this concern has already begun to materialize.”
Businesses such as those in the workforce mobility industry are essential to the economy and getting employees safely back to work. Additional financial protection from costly lawsuits will allow workforce mobility and other crucial businesses to focus on the economic recovery, writing that “These crucial protections would safeguard healthcare workers, providers, and facilities, as well as businesses, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions against unfair lawsuits so they can continue to contribute to a safe and effective economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Democrats and Republicans will need to come to an agreement over liability protection, which has already been a contentious issue. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has indicated unwillingness to negotiate a deal without liability protections while Democrats have been resistant. Negotiations are ongoing and likely to continue until a deal is made.