news stories Tagged “Benefits and Administrative Services”
NYS leave law updates
January 13, 2023 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist
New York State has extended the COVID-19 vaccination leave, has added sibling under the Paid Family Leave law, and has a new amendment to a law that prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for taking legally protected absences. The NY COVID-19 vaccination leave, which requires employers to provide up to 4 hours of paid leave (separate from Paid Sick Leave or paid time off) to their employees to receive a COVID-19 …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez: Welcome
January 3, 2023 / By Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
Editor's Note: The following note was sent on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez to the Upper New York Conference on Jan. 3, 2023. “I [we] can do all things through Christ who strengthens me [us].” Philippians 4:13, par Dear siblings in Christ, May the grace and peace of God be with you in the New Year! I thank God for the …more
Updated New York State short-term disability forms
November 29, 2022 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist
New York State recently updated the short-term disability claim forms. There are now two separate disability claim forms that need to be completed and submitted together to Guardian within 30 days of the start date of disability. Form #1 – Employee and Health Care Provider form Form #2 – Employer Form There are several options to submit the completed disability claim forms to Guardian. Mail to: Guardian State Disability Claims P.O. …more
Revised Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Poster
November 8, 2022 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has issued a revised version of its poster, entitled “Know Your Rights”. A copy of the revised poster can be located here. The law requires an employer to post a notice describing the Federal laws prohibiting job discrimination based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, religion, age (40 and older), equal pay, …more
NY State minimum wage increase
October 14, 2022 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist
Effective December 31, 2022, New York State minimum wage will increase to $14.20/hour. Employers in the Upper New York Conference, regardless of number of employees, must pay non-exempt employee’s minimum wage. Future increases will be determined by the NYS Director of Budget in consultation with the NYS Commissioner of Labor and will be announced on or before October 1 each year. Please click this link for more information …more
Upper New York Annual Conference postponed due to COVID-19 concerns
April 21, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Sessions Committee of the Upper New York Conference gathered by Zoom on the morning of Thursday, April 21 to discuss growing concerns about the uptick in COVID-19 cases in Upstate New York and throughout the United States. Members of the Committee shared both their own perspectives and what they have been hearing from others regarding the comfort level of gathering more than a thousand United Methodist from across Upper New …more
Reminder regarding New York State required annual training for sexual harassment prevention
April 11, 2022 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
This is a reminder that every employer in New York State is required to provide employees with sexual harassment prevention training on an annual basis. Sexual Harassment Prevention Training New York State Law requires that employers of one or more employees must conduct sexual harassment prevention training for all employees on an annual basis. The employer can decide the timing of the annual training (calendar year, anniversary date, or any …more
Delayed Enforcement of Direct Bill Arrearage Policy Extended to Dec. 31, 2022
February 22, 2022 / By Susan Latessa, Director of HR/Benefits / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Understanding the struggle faced by many congregations, the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits (CBOPHB) had voted to delay enforcement of the direct bill arrearage policy that went into effect Jan. 1, 2020, for years 2020 and 2021. The CBOPHB has approved to continue the delayed enforcement through Dec. 31, 2022, recognizing that there are churches that are still struggling financially. In 2020, most churches were able to continue making their monthly direct bill payments, which …more
What the end of the NY state mask mandate means for local churches
February 10, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Feb. 15, NYS Commissioner of Health extended the Hero Act through March 17, 2022. Click here to read more. Governor Hochul lifted the mask mandate for all vaccinated and unvaccinated persons effective Feb. 10. This means businesses are no longer required to mandate that all persons in their facilities wear face masks. Pastors and other local church leaders are now asking what this means for their churches, particularly as it relates to worship …more
Wespath to offer Mental Health webinars March 10 and 24
February 10, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
One in every five Americans (52.9 million people) experience mental illness each year. The signs of someone struggling with mental health are often subtle, leaving many conditions undetected and therefore undiagnosed and untreated. It’s important to not only recognize these signs in ourselves but in our family, friends and colleagues so that we can give them the support they need when they need it. Recognizing this gap in care …more