We have received quite a few phone calls with members asking about how cotton gins fit into the "Essential Critical Infrastructure Guidance". We believe that cotton gins fit into the definition of critical infrastructure in several ways. In general, we are a key link in the production of agricultural products, which are covered by the [...]
The third COVID-19 package, a $2.2 trillion dollar program was approved on Friday. There are many aspects to the package, with sections designed to help individuals, businesses, health care, agriculture and others. There are several options for small businesses under this bill to offset the costs incurred during the COVID-19 crisis. One option includes federal [...]
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requires employers to post a notice for all employees of their rights under this act. The English and Spanish versions of this poster are now available and can be found under the links below. Please post these posters right away: English Version: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/posters/FFCRA_Poster_WH1422_Non-Federal.pdf Spanish Version: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/Pandemic/1422-spanish.pdf In addition, [...]
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requires employers to post a notice for all employees of their rights under this act. The poster is now available, and can be found under the link below. Please post this poster right away: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/posters/FFCRA_Poster_WH1422_Non-Federal.pdf In addition, if you have other questions related to the FFCRA, the link [...]
We are starting to see areas in Texas where shelter in place orders are beginning to take effect. TCGA and other industry organizations believe that we are considered "Critical Infrastructure" as explained below. Of course the problem will be whether the local law enforcement agrees, if this ever comes up in your county. Please give [...]
News Release U.S. Department Of Labor Publishes Guidance Explaining Paid Sick Leave And Expanded Family and Medical Leave Under The Families First Coronavirus Response Act WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) announced its first round of published guidance to provide information to employees and employers about how [...]
As you are all aware, the Coronavirus is straining the supply of personal protective equipment that is available to health professionals. We have identified one shortage and need as the N95 masks and two-strap respirators that are often used in cotton gins to help alleviate problems associated with nuisance dust. There are a number of [...]
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act has been passed. Click Here to read a very good summary of this Act provided by ADP, which is our payroll service at TCGA. Be sure you are following the requirements of this Act if you have workers that are needing to take sick leave due to covered situations [...]
We have received several calls from members with questions about steps gins could take to deal with the COVID-19 virus in the workplace. While there is still a lot we don’t know, there are several sources of guidance that might be useful. First of all, you can click here to access the CDC’s posters – [...]
In the ongoing effort to eliminate plastic contamination, USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has developed a module feeder camera system with the associated components, which will allow a ginner to view their module feeder cylinders in order to detect contamination. They have published a detailed fact sheet that will allow ginners to build their own camera [...]
