The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the work environment in many ways, including a significant impact on employer-sponsored health benefits. The past year has resulted in changes to how frequently individuals visit the doctor (or do not visit the doctor), purchase eligible medical expenses, and need dependent care. In response to the pandemic, the IRS, Congress,
Department of Labor Clarifies Effective Date of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) will take effect April 1, 2020, according to a new Q & A posted March 24, 2020 by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The DOL, the federal agency charged with implementing and enforcing the FFCRA, has been answering questions online and is working on regulations to implement
The DOL Provides Welcome Clarifications Regarding Exclusions from the FLSA Regular Rate of Pay
On December 12, 2019, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced a Final Rule that clarifies and amends federal regulations concerning the regular rate of pay under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Many of the affected regulations date back more than 60 years, long before the FLSA was made applicable to the public sector.
The Long-Awaited FLSA Salary Basis Update Is Finally Here
Today, September 24, 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) announced a final rule modifying the weekly salary and annual compensation threshold levels for white collar exemptions to Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime requirements. The final rule will become effective on January 1, 2020. It is critical for employers to become familiar with the
DOL Proposes Changes to the Rules Governing Payments to Exclude from the Regular Rate
This Special Bulletin was authored by Lisa S. Charbonneau
On March 29, 2019, the Department of Labor (DOL) published proposed new rules on the Regular Rate requirements (i.e., the rate at which overtime must be paid) under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The proposed rules may be found here. The comment period for
Department Of Labor Proposes to Increase the Minimum Salary to Qualify for FLSA Overtime Exemptions
This Special Bulletin was authored by Tony G. Carvalho.
On March 7, 2019, the Department of Labor (DOL) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that, if implemented, will affect the minimum wage and overtime-exempt status of many employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The proposed changes concern the “salary basis test” applicable
It’s (Almost) Summertime, but the Livin’ is not Always Easy for Employers
Many kids and adults alike look forward to summer all year. Summer means longer days, more ice cream, and no school. However, summer can also mean challenges for employers. Though the issues discussed below can come up any time of year, employers often find that they crop up more frequently during the summer months. The
21 States Sue the DOL to Stop Implementation of the New DOL Overtime Rule; Congress Weighs in Too
In May of this year, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a new rule that raises the federal salary basis for exempt employees to $47,476 per year, effective December 1, 2016. The rule also increases the salary threshold level for the highly compensated employee exemption from $100,000 per year to $134,004 per year, and
Let Them Eat Stale Cake – But They Won’t Be Getting COBRA!
This post was authored by Jessica Frier
Federal COBRA legislation allows departing employees and dependents to continue coverage under an employer’s group health plan after coverage is lost for almost any reason—including death, divorce, reduction in hours, and even termination for cause. Only the employee’s “gross misconduct” provides a basis to deny COBRA coverage.
But
Unpaid Internship Saga Continues
In February we reported on the growing number of lawsuits brought by unpaid interns against companies they worked with for failure to pay regular and overtime wages. The unpaid interns claim that these businesses treated them like employees. Consequently, the interns argue they should have been paid like employees as required by the federal Fair