In addition to health issues, the Covid-19 epidemic has prompted debate over workers’ rights in the workplace. There are some rights for employees in Mississippi, but there are also some restrictions that must be recognized. This article will examine whether an employee in Mississippi can be dismissed for having Covid-19 and address some relevant inquiries about the state’s employment regulations.
The quick response is no. Employers are not permitted to fire a worker in Mississippi due to a health condition or impairment. Employees who have contracted Covid-19 are protected by the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Nevertheless, whether with or without reasonable accommodations, the employee must be able to carry out their job tasks. Even with reasonable accommodations, a person may lose their employment if they are unable to accomplish their responsibilities.
A worker may also be qualified for leave under the FMLA or the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) if Covid-19 prevents them from working. Employees are entitled to up to two weeks of paid absence under the FFCRA if Covid-19 prevents them from working.
What is the Mississippi Minimum Wage? Mississippi’s minimum wage is $7.25 per hour as of January 2021, matching the federal minimum wage. But certain Mississippi communities, including Jackson, have implemented minimum wage laws that are higher than the national and state minimum wages.
Yes, Mississippi is an at-will state, meaning that employers are free to fire employees for any reason as long as doing so does not violate the law. However, the employer is not permitted to fire a worker due to a handicap, race, gender, or another form of discrimination.
According to Mississippi law, employers are not required to give their staff lunch breaks. If a company does provide their employees a lunch break, it must be at least 30 minutes long if they work six or more hours straight. The employee must be paid for any time they spend working if they are obliged to work during their lunch break. In Mississippi, is it Legal for an Employer to Hold Your Check?
No, Mississippi law forbids employers from deducting money from an employee’s paycheck for any reason, including disciplinary action or poor performance. An employee can complain to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security if their employer does withhold money from their paycheck.
In conclusion, even in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, employees in Mississippi are entitled to a number of protections and privileges. Employees cannot be fired because of their health or disability, and if they are unable to work owing to COVID-19, they may be eligible for leave under the FMLA or the FFCRA. Mississippi is an at-will state, although businesses cannot fire workers for being a protected class, and there is a $7.25 minimum wage requirement. Although it is not mandatory for companies to offer lunch breaks, if they do, they must be at least 30 minutes long and include pay for any time worked. Additionally, employees have recourse through the Mississippi Department of Employment Security if their paycheck is withheld. Employers are not permitted to deduct money from an employee’s paycheck for any reason.
In order to qualify for unemployment benefits in Mississippi, you must have worked for pay during at least two quarters of the base period, and your base period earnings must have been at least 1.5 times your highest quarter’s income. Additionally, your total base period salaries must be at least $1,200 and you must have made at least $780 in the highest quarter of your base period. You do not have to work for a set period of time in order to qualify for unemployment benefits in Mississippi; nevertheless, you must meet these wage standards.