On August 30, 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor proposed revisions to section 13(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which would result in millions of workers who are currently exempt from overtime requirements to being entitled to time and one half pay when they work more than 40 hours in a workweek. … Continue Reading
DOL Reinstates Three-Step Process to Determine Prevailing Wage for Construction Workers
On August 8, 2023, the U. S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) issued a final rule revamping its procedures for determining prevailing wages under the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts (collectively, DBRA). This is the first time in forty years that DOL has revisited this process.
The DBRA requires payment of locally prevailing wages and fringe benefits for various classifications of workers on most federally funded or assisted contracts for the construction, alteration, or repair of public buildings or public works.… Continue Reading
SVB Fall Out – Beware of Employment Law Risks
Companies impacted by the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) failure may be concerned about their ability to meet immediate payroll obligations as they await funds from government regulators. Despite regulatory assurances that funds will be available in the near-term, employers with funds in SVB may remain concerned about their ability to meet ongoing obligations. … Continue Reading
SCOTUS Rules That Worker Who Was Paid High Daily Wage is Non-Exempt and Entitled to Overtime Pay
On February 22, 2023, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that an employee who is paid a daily rate for each day worked, no matter how high the rate, is not exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and, therefore, entitled to overtime pay for hours worked over 40 in a work week. … Continue Reading
Landmark Legislation for Temporary Workers in New Jersey
On February 6, 2023, Governor Phil Murphy signed into law a controversial bill that will provide sweeping new protections and an expansion of rights for temporary workers in New Jersey, dubbed the “Temporary Workers’ Bill of Rights” (A1474/S511). This new law, which represents a significant victory for temporary workers in the Garden State, seeks to increase government oversight of temporary staffing agencies, advance pay equity between temporary workers and regular employees, and preclude retaliatory conduct against temporary workers. … Continue Reading
Webinar Recording: Back to School – Remembering the 4 R’s: RIFs, Restructuring, Requests for Accommodations, and Recruitment in Uncertain Times
As COVID lingers and the economy remains uncertain, employers face a host of issues. Recently, a group of Ballard Spahr attorneys hosted part one of a two part webinar series to revisit the basics, as well as novel issues, related to aligning your workforce to your business needs. Many businesses do not have enough workers and are focused on attracting and retaining necessary talent, while others, due to rising costs and stubborn supply chain problems, must consider layoffs and reductions in force.… Continue Reading
New Jersey Legislature Delays “Bill of Rights” for Temporary Workers
Earlier this week, New Jersey state senators tabled the vote on Bill S511, landmark legislation dubbed the NJ temporary worker “Bill of Rights.” Governor Phil Murphy conditionally vetoed the proposed legislation last month, and advocates expected the bill to pass following the state Assembly’s approval of Gov. Murphy’s revisions. But ultimately, state senators pulled the bill due to insufficient support to pass the revised version, leaving employers with the current state of flexibility to work with temporary agencies to fill gaps in their workforce.… Continue Reading
U.S. Department of Labor Issues Proposed Rule on Independent Contractor Status
On October, 11, 2022, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released a proposed rule to update the test for determining whether a worker is an employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) or an independent contractor. The proposal would significantly broaden the classification of workers as employees under the FLSA. … Continue Reading
New Jersey Now Protects Health Care Workers After Sales, Mergers and Other Control Changes
On August 18, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed into law S315 (22R), which aims to protect employment and wages and benefits during changes in control at health care facilities. When a change in control occurs, the former and “successor” health care employers will now both have new, and very significant, legal obligations.… Continue Reading
August Updates to Pennsylvania Overtime and Tipped Wages Regulations
Several wage and overtime changes will affect Pennsylvania employers starting August 5, 2022. Some updates bring Pennsylvania’s wage and overtime regulations more in line with the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), while others expand the distance between the two.
Employers utilizing tipped employees or a fluctuating workweek method to calculate overtime rates should pay special attention to these updates, explained here, and adjust their policies accordingly.… Continue Reading