On March 20, 2020, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo modified Executive Order 202.6, requiring that all businesses and not-for-profit entities operating in New York must reduce their in-person workforce by 100 percent. We have been asked by many of our cooperative and condominium boards whether the Executive Order is applicable to building staffs.
Entities and employees who provide essential services are exempted from the restrictions of the Executive Order. The Empire State Development Corporation (the “EDC”) has issued guidance as to the services and functions it deems to be essential and these include employees who provide services necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operations for residential properties. The EDC specifically recognized that doormen, janitors, cleaning and maintenance employees and those who are involved in the collection, processing and disposal of trash and recyclables are considered to provide essential services.
However, even in light of the exemption that cooperative and condominium staff members enjoy, we should still consider our building staff on the front lines and protect them in every way we can.
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Jeffrey M. Schwartz
Steven D. Sladkus
Jeffrey S. Reich
Eli D. Greenberg
Jason B. Atlas