There have been many changes recently due to coronavirus altering the way we live. COVID-19 has especially impacted the workforce and normal operations of many businesses. In response to the pandemic, many companies have decided to limit or modify their operations to best suit their customers’ needs while saving costs and mitigating the risk of spreading the virus. It is very likely that you may have even experienced this in your own workplace. Perhaps you have been shifted to a different role until your company resumes normal operations or maybe your employer has even added new responsibilities to your job in response to the changes in the market. If you are currently serving a different job title and are performing new tasks outside of your traditional job description, it is important to know if you are still classified as the same type of worker and thus receive the same protections. 

Shift in Classification

In general, your employee classification will remain the same if you are working under the same company or employer. This ensures that during this time, you are still covered under the same protections you were prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. There are two instances, however, in which your classification as an employee can shift which affects numerous factors, including your eligibility for workers’ compensation and other various employee benefits and protections.

• If your company’s operations have changed, meaning your company is no longer under the same classification and is participating in different business activities 
• Your job for the company has changed 

Out of these two scenarios, it is most likely that you may have experienced a change in your occupation for the company. Although this does not always point to a change in classification, it is important to be informed about any significant changes this shift in jobs could bring. Asking your employer for this information or contacting a workers’ compensation attorney will allow you to understand your legal rights and responsibilities under your new classification. 

Payroll

If you have switched job classifications or your wages earned have changed, your employer must ensure that he or she maintains new payroll records under your new position. If they do not, the highest rate available for your classification would be assigned to your payroll.

These are rather difficult and confusing times full of an abundance of change and uncertainty. If you have recently been assigned a new occupation under your current employer and are searching for more information on how this could impact your pay, benefits, or protections, contact Poirier Law Firm. We are here to help and ensure that you do not have to worry about losing rights that you are entitled to as an employee.