Information from ABA CEO Allison Hill

Dear all,
Happy Friday, everyone. I’m keeping this update short and sweet today, just assigning some (recommended) homework for your weekend:

• Research Relief Opportunities via ABA’s Resources Worksheet
  A small group of ABA team members have been working hard to compile useful general and state-specific resources for small businesses, with a focus on unemployment information, grant and loan information, and general business resources. As you all know, things are changing hour-to-hour. We will do our best to keep these resources updated on a weekly basis; however, if you come across any information that is outdated, or if you have found new information that might benefit the larger ABA community, please let us know. You should also be aware that these resources do not currently include information relating to the recently passed CARES Act. We will update you with more information as it becomes available.
  
  
• Review ABA’s Summary of the CARES Act for Members
  This afternoon, President Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Here’s a look at specific provisions of the CARES Act that booksellers should know.
  
  
• Consult a Lawyer on COVID-19-related Labor Law Issues
  The ABA’s law firm, Kelley Drye & Warren, has provided two webinars for us to share with members:
  • Pandemic—But Don’t Panic addresses sick leave and other leaves of absence, work-from-home policies, health and safety, compensation, and discrimination.
  • Update for Your Workplace looks at the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which creates the Family Medical Leave Expansion Act and Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act that goes into effect April 2. In this webinar, they explain the new law and the circumstances under which paid sick leave and expanded family leave will be available to employees. They also share practical advice and discuss potential hidden issues such as the WARN Act, which in some situations requires advance notification for layoffs.
    
    
• Eat, Sleep, Take a Walk, Breathe
  
  
• And remember the spirit of what we do. Although you can’t be there for your customers in all the ways you’re used to, indie bookstores are still the heartbeat of our communities. The work you’re doing to survive and sustain your store best you can right now, no matter what that looks like—open or closed, delivering curbside or shipping books—is of service to your customers and your communities, now and on the other side of this.

ABA is here for you. Please reach out if there is anything we can help with. We are an incredibly creative, resilient, supportive industry. We’ll get through this, together.
Best,
Allison