An Equal Pay Act plaintiff must show that employees of the opposite sex were paid different wages for equal work. Pretty simple — right? However, there are many factors that go into deciding what is “equal work” or whether the difference in wages is really tied to sex. In Jennifer Joy Freyd vs. University
Don’t Let Your Employee’s “Unpaid” Meal Breaks Turn into a Costly Mistake for You
An unpaid meal break can become a very expensive lunch for an employer, but there are ways to comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to try and minimize the risk.
Identifying the Potential Problem
The problem that results from unpaid meal breaks typically arises like this:
- Nonexempt employee clocks out for lunch, or
New Administration, New DOL Approach: Department Pulls Back Trump Rulemaking Limitations
With the new Biden administration now in place, the Department of Labor (DOL) has withdrawn a Trump era measure on guidance documents. Following a recent Executive Order, the DOL issued a final rule on January 27 to rescind the Trump DOL’s prior rule. The result will likely be less public involvement in DOL guidance.
Background
‘Tis the Season — Year-End Reminder of 2020’s FLSA Salary Threshold Increase and What You May Need to Check Now
Remember last January and the salary threshold change the Department of Labor rolled out for salaried exempt and highly compensated employees under the FLSA? As the end of the year approaches, you might need to revisit the DOL’s salary threshold increases that took effect January 1, 2020. In January, we anticipated that this would be
Prop 22 and Minimum Wage Hikes: What the Election Results Mean for Employers
In true 2020 style, this year’s general election was one for the history books. While the presidential race has been called in favor of President-Elect Joe Biden, the inevitable legal challenges are looming. Meanwhile, Georgia will be the site of two runoff elections in January – races that could decide which party controls the U.S.
Department of Labor Provides Easier, Breezier FMLA Electronic Notice Forms for Employers
In a shocking example of good news these days, the Wage and Hour Division has revised its optional forms that employers can use on various FMLA issues. The new forms can be filled out electronically and have cut down on the number of questions that require written responses. Instead, many categories can now be handled
There Is More to This than Meets the Eye: Why an Under-the-Radar DOL Wage and Hour Bulletin Is Good News for Employers
The U.S. Department of Labor issued a Field Assistance Bulletin on June 24, 2020, announcing that it will not routinely assess pre-litigation liquidated damages as part of the settlement process for claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Although this announcement has largely gone “under the radar,” it actually has historic significance. The bulletin is
Window Washers and Telegraph Operators Beware: DOL Eliminates Specific Retail and Non-Retail Examples Under Overtime Exemption Rule
For those of you craving a non-COVID-19 issue to chew upon, the Department of Labor opened the floodgates of debate by withdrawing the partial lists of establishments that could either be “recognized as retail” or “having no retail concept” under the FLSA’s overtime exemption for certain commissioned employees. Of course, we are being sarcastic (kind
Antitrust Agencies Issue Statement on Enforcement in Essential Provider Labor Markets
Antitrust concerns aren’t always at top of mind for human resources professionals. However, the federal antitrust agencies, the Federal Trade Commission and Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice, remind us that antitrust law certainly applies to employment decisions. The agencies recently issued a policy statement, Joint Antitrust Statement Regarding COVID-19 and Competition in Labor
Update: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act Is Signed Into Law and Will Take Effect April 2, 2020
Wednesday afternoon, the Senate passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, and President Trump signed it into law. The act contains several provisions that will significantly impact employers with fewer than 500 employees.
If this applies to you, your obligations become effective no later than April 2, 2020 – 15 days from the date of