Here is a quick update on the overtime rules newly proposed by the United States Department of Labor. The notice of proposed rulemaking on overtime requirements (which is the first step of the Labor Department’s regulatory process) has been issued. Under the current enforced law dealing...
A couple of years ago, I freaked out some people when I started writing on changes made to overtime policies by the Department of Labor. After appropriately scaring everyone, it turned out that a federal judge in Texas gave several folks a big fat Christmas...
A couple of employment law matters have recently crept their way into my inbox. One of them has to do with the payout of accrued but not used time off. Often when employees are let go, there is a question if the employer is obligated by...
I am often called to review employee manuals to ensure both their legal compliance and make an opinion about what is appropriate and what’s not. Many employers are interested in legal support for their Employee Manuals to determine what kinds of policies can help protect...
A couple of days ago I met with a client who is dealing with some changes to her employee manual. This is a creative firm and one the questions she had was: what are the intersections between non-compete agreements and freelance work by her creative...
Since the explosion of accusations against people like Harvey Weinstein, Matt Lauer, and so many others, famous and not famous. Workplace sexual harassment and certainly sexual abuse are illegal and should be addressed with all of the legal and human resources tools available. But let's not...
Dress codes. It’s safe to say nobody likes them, but we cannot ignore them. In the past few years, office dress codes have received more spotlight in the news. Companies are being accused of discriminatory dress code policies. Some companies are choosing to modernize their...
In June 2015, the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing changes to the rules for exempt workers, those generally classified as executive, administrative and professional (EAP) staff, computer professionals, as well as highly compensated individuals. The effect...
The Maryland General Assembly is considering and may pass two laws that directly affect small businesses and their relationships with their employees. Two bill sin particular have a pretty good chance of making it to Governor O'Malley's desk for signature at the end of the...