One of our employees has advised that her mother sustained an injury at home and fractured her spine, which is unfortunately fairly serious and has rendered her temporarily (hopefully) partially paralyzed. The employee’s mother is in the hospital and is scheduled for surgery, and the employee will need to care for her. My question is whether the employee can twist this into a COVID-19-related FMLA leave and thus be eligible for compensation at 2/3 her regular rate of pay, or use COVID-19 and the need to provide continuing health care for her mother into a reason for being eligible for state unemployment insurance.

I’ve talked to hundreds of contractors over the last few weeks. The ones who are thriving in these strange times are using technology to edge out the competition. And we’re not talking big systems or million-dollar investments. Most of these successful contractors are finding huge wins with the tech capability on their smartphones.

As state and local governments start to unveil their reopening plans, employers are anxious to get employees back to work safely. The new norms require a lot of thought and planning regarding safety and compliance. 

Even the plumbing and heating industry is finding ways to work remotely.

With the health and safety of attendees, staff and the public top of mind during the current public health crisis, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) announces that it will offer its annual conference, PHCCCONNECT2020, in a virtual format. The event, scheduled for Sept. 30-Oct. 1, will offer a valued-packed online program, full of high-quality education and networking opportunities.

The TSBPE now allows ALL plumbers to complete their annual continuing education requirement for license renewal via correspondence course (mail) regardless of where they reside!

Governor Abbott Provides Update On COVID-19 Response, Urges Texans To Follow Guidelines

The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Texas witnessed some of the most tumultuous decision making at the Texas State Capitol in 2019. At the close of the 2021, if there is no legislation passed to maintain statewide licensing of plumbing, the plumbers in Texas will lose this valuable designation in their occupations!

Don’t forget Part III of PHCC’s Round Table series will be June 25 at 12:00 -1:00 PM (CDT).

Course topics (Sat/Sun 8 am-5 pm) include:  Simple physics, Cross Connection & Backflow Devices, Drains, Waste Water, Vents, Water Supply & Sizing, Miniature Ruler & Scaling, Gas Piping & Appliance Venting, L.P.G., Water Heaters, Facility, OSHA, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), plumbing requirements for a multiple story structure, plumbing codes, and the Texas State Plumbing License Laws and Rules. (16 hours)

Everyone completing this course receives a wallet card from OSHA good for 3 years and certificate of completion. This course is a proven money saving approach to OSHA approved training, meeting General Contractor’s requirements. PHCC Texas is approved by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners to teach OSHA for those sitting for the Tradesman or Journeyman Exam.

Must attend both days for full credit. 8-Hr Residential Plbg Code (IRC) is required by the Texas State Plumbing Board for those planning on taking the Tradesman or Journeyman's license exam (Section 363.12). PHCC Texas is a state authorized provider of this training and issues the necessary certificate for scheduling the exam with TSBPE.

18-Hr Commercial Plbg Code (UPC, IPC, Fuel Gas) is required by the Texas State Plumbing Board for those planning on taking the Journeyman's license exam (Section 363.12). PHCC is a TSBPE authorized provider of this training. 1 Hr each day for lunch on your own.