Our Blog – Labor & Employment
A Growing Trend: Transparency in the Workplace
Oct 21, 2024
Pay compensation as a taboo topic is now a thing of the past, as a growing number of states and cities have adopted laws requiring transparency within the work-place. Generally, these pay transparency laws hold employers accountable by requiring either publicly or privately providing the salary ranges and benefits offered for job positions to both employees and potential employees. .
From Innovation to Protection: AI’s Influence on Confidentiality and Intellectual Property in the Workplace
Aug 09, 2024
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become ubiquitous across all aspects of the workplace. However, while AI can certainly be a value-add, it comes with a variety of legal concerns including concerns about the confidentiality of data and communications, and questions about ownership rights.
Workplace Misconduct Investigations: How Involving Legal Counsel can Help Employers Mitigate Risk for their Organization
Jul 01, 2024
Even the most seasoned organizational leaders and human resources teams should consider involving legal counsel to assist with complaints and allegations of workplace misconduct. Legal counsel can assist with workplace investigations in a variety of ways, from advising on the necessary steps to take to becoming directly involved and even conducting the investigation on behalf of the employer. It may even be best to let counsel conduct the investigation to ensure thoroughness and impartiality.
Exempt Employees May Be Due for a Raise
May 21, 2024
On April 23, 2024, the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor published a final rule updating these exemptions by increasing the minimum salary requirements.
Beginning on July 1, 2024, the minimum annual salary to qualify for the EAP exemption will increase from $35,568 to $43,888; on January 1, 2025, it will increase to $58,656. For highly compensated employees, the minimum annual salary will increase on July 1, 2024 from $107,432 to $132,964; on January 1, 2025, it will increase to $151,164.
Be Careful Not To Discriminate When Requiring An Employee To Transfer To A New Department
Apr 23, 2024
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last week that a job transfer could serve as the basis of a discrimination claim under Title VII, without a showing of “significant” harm. In Muldrow v. City of St. Louis, Missouri, the Court rejected a significant harm requirement to bring such a claim, indicating that the claimant need only show some injury in their employment.
Top 10 Reasons Employers Need an Employee Handbook
Jan 05, 2024
Top 10 Reasons Employers Need an Employee Handbook. Make it Your New Year’s Resolution to Adopt an Employee Handbook or Update Your Existing Handbook for Workplace Success
The U.S. Supreme Court Clarifies the Meaning of “Undue Hardship” For Religious Accommodations under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Jul 28, 2023
In short, the Groff decision changed the legal landscape, making it more difficult for employers to deny requests religious accommodations. A de minimis increase in costs no longer constitutes an undue hardship and employers will need to accommodate requests unless there are “substantial increased costs in relation to the conduct of its particular business.”
U.S. Supreme Court Rules That in Certain Circumstances, the Fair Labor Standards Act Requires Overtime Pay Even for Employees Making Over $200,000 Annually
Mar 10, 2023
On February 22, 2023 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that in some cases, even already highly compensated employees are required by law to receive overtime pay.
Vermont Legislature Considers Expanding Paid Leave
Feb 01, 2023
The Vermont House of Representatives recently introduced H66, a bill that would create a twelve week per year fully paid family medical leave insurance program.
FTC Proposes New Rule to Bar Non-compete Agreements in Employment Contracts
Jan 17, 2023
On January 5, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) announced that it was proposing a new rule that has far-sweeping implications for the economy and labor market. The proposed rule would ban non-compete clauses in employment contracts.