FDR Services, a healthcare launderer based in Hempstead, NY, recently answered some questions from Textile Services Weekly regarding their experiences in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Like many linen, uniform and facility services companies, Huebsch Services is doing its part during the COVID-19 crisis. Among other efforts, they’re producing protective masks in-house for their employees. What’s different about Huebsch, a family-owned business based in Eau Claire, WI, is that this 129-year-old company mounted a similar response during a devastating outbreak of the Spanish Flu in 1918. In both 1918 and 2020, their goal was the same: protect their staff and the community.

TRSA apprised its members on the association’s latest responses to the COVID-19 crisis during an all-purpose webinar series launched on April 16. The webinars, dubbed the TRSA Weekly Industry Update, offered nearly 80 online attendees an overview of activities that the association is pursuing. Among these were legislative advocacy, survey research and a professional networking/information-sharing initiative aimed at helping companies survive the worst economic downturn since the 1930s.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued guidance in the form of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the payroll tax deferral option included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Under the provision, employers may defer their share of social security payroll taxes and pay 50% of the deferred amount on Dec. 31, 2021, and the remaining balance on Dec. 31, 2022.

When attendees of TRSA’s 56th Annual Ehrlich-Stempler Executive Management Institute (EMI) gather this August in the Washington, DC, area, they’ll access unmatched educational, networking and professional-development opportunities through this unique course for leaders of the linen, uniform and facility services industry.

TRSA recently conducted a survey of its associate members to get data on the impact of COVID-19 among suppliers to the linen, uniform and facility services industry. The initial survey closed on April 3.

Professional laundries seeking Hygienically Clean certification for processing textiles in all markets can now participate in an abbreviated certification process to provide support during the COVID-19 crisis. This program is in response to the demand from customers requiring a certified Hygienically Clean laundry to provide safe textiles using proven processes and procedures, verified by third-party laboratories and experienced industry consultants. This temporary program is only available for a limited time.

Four TRSA healthcare laundry operators – all serving hospitals located in the epicenters of the pandemic in the U.S. – shared lessons with industry colleagues during an April 10 TRSA webinar on how they’re working to protect employees, while at the same time providing maximum assistance to customers and end users through the use of sound business practices that can deliver the best outcomes for everyone.

To maximize information-sharing that keeps personnel safe and healthy and prepares companies for the post-crisis business environment, TRSA’s Board of Directors is extending 45-day free trial memberships to nonmember linen, uniform and facility services companies.

Members of TRSA’s Human Resources Committee joined two lawyers from Fisher & Phillips LLP for a webinar presentation to provide updates on the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) as a result of COVID-19, as well as how to communicate with your employees during this complicated time.