The Bottom Line Independent contractors in New York State will soon have expanded protections under the New York Labor Law. On May 20, 2024, the Freelance Isn't Free Act takes effect and imposes new requirements for written agreements with most independent contractors in the State. The Act Continue Reading
U.S. Department of Labor Publishes Final Rule on Independent Contractor Status
The Bottom Line The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released a final rule that changes how potential employers assess whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The final rule, issued January 9, 2024, was published in the Federal Continue Reading
California Pushes the Boundaries of Its Ability To Limit Employer Use of Restrictive Covenants Agreements
The Bottom Line California already has among the strictest limitations in the United States on the use of employee restrictive covenants agreements. Specifically, California Business and Professions Code Section 16600 voids “every contract by which anyone is restrained from engaging in a Continue Reading
Preparing for 2024: Top 12 Ways to Protect Your Firm
Leaders of public relations and marketing communications firms work at the intersection of many dynamic areas in order to make their firms thrive. How can firms prepare for the year ahead? Davis+Gilbert recommends a dozen key action items — ranging from topics as diverse as navigating the Continue Reading
New York State Department of Labor Releases Updated Model Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy and Training Guidance
The Bottom Line Updates to the NYSDOL model sexual harassment prevention policy and training materials emphasize the importance of considering diversity and recognizing the many different forms of sexual harassment in the workplace, whether in person or remote.New York employers should consult Continue Reading
New Jersey WARN Amendments Broaden Employer Obligations
The Bottom Line Amendments to the NJ Mini-WARN Law create broader employer coverage, new definitions of “mass layoff” and “establishment,” and notice and severance requirements.New Jersey employers implementing layoffs should consult with counsel to determine whether the NJ Mini-WARN Law applies Continue Reading
NLRB Finds Confidentiality and Non-Disparagement Clauses in Severance Agreement Unlawful
The Bottom Line The National Labor Relations Board has ruled that inclusion of confidentiality and non-disparagement provisions in separation agreements is unlawful.Employers should consult with counsel on how to update their agreements in light of this decision.It is unclear whether inclusion of Continue Reading
The FTC’s Sweeping Proposal to Ban Non-Competes
The Bottom Line In the three weeks since the proposed rule was released, the FTC has received over 5,600 comments, and many more are expected from interested individuals, companies, industry groups and trade associations.Until the final rule, if any, is implemented, companies should continue to Continue Reading
For Compete’s Sake! Delaware Court Declines to Enforce Sale-of-Business Restrictive Covenants
The Bottom Line Courts around the country subject non-competition agreements and other restrictive covenants to increasingly strict scrutiny in employment contracts.Courts applying Delaware law may also limit enforcement of restrictive covenants executed in the sale-of-business context to the Continue Reading
Employee Benefit Considerations When Making Workforce Modifications
The Bottom Line Employers should work closely with ERISA counsel to ensure that employee benefit plans (e.g., non-qualified deferred compensation plans, health and welfare plans, and 401(k) plans) are being administered correctly as they make changes to their workforce.Employers should work with Continue Reading