The Bottom Line New York City employers should act quickly to ensure compliance with new laws that expand employee rights to request temporary schedule changes and use paid sick time for "safe time" purposes. At a minimum, employers should update employee handbooks to: Explain the procedures that Continue Reading
New York State Imposes New Legal Requirements for Workplace Sexual Harassment Prevention
The Bottom Line New York State's budget legislation, expected to be signed into law shortly, contains several measures related to workplace sexual harassment that will impact nearly every employer in New York. To prepare for these changes, New York companies are advised to consult with counsel to Continue Reading
Tax Reform Eliminated Deductions for Confidential Sexual Harassment Settlements
The Bottom Line The TCJA now prohibits employers from taking business deductions for confidential settlements or payments related to sexual harassment or sexual abuse claims. Consulting counsel early on is critical, as this new law could increase the complexity and costs of such settlements. Continue Reading
Massachusetts Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Goes Into Effect on April 1, 2018
The Bottom Line With the MPWFA's April 1, 2018 effective date quickly approaching, Massachusetts employers should review and revise their handbook policies, onboarding notices and HR practices to ensure that they comply with the law’s notice obligations and requirements to provide reasonable Continue Reading
Take Compliance Seriously When Hiring Domestic Employees in New York
The Bottom Line The potential penalties and damages for failing to comply with the many legal requirements for hiring domestic staff serve as a reminder that, while employers may develop a great relationship with a domestic employee, things can always go sour later. When they do, the downside can Continue Reading
DOL Updates Test for Unpaid Interns and Students Under the FLSA
The Bottom Line The DOL will now rely on the "primary beneficiary" test when determining whether interns are eligible for minimum wage and overtime pay. This is good news for employers who want to establish internship programs without running afoul of the FLSA, and also gives employers more Continue Reading
California Enacts New Employer Requirements Effective January 1, 2018
The Bottom Line California employers should be aware of several new and expanded laws going into effect beginning January 1, 2018, relating to a ban on inquiries to candidates about their salary history or prior criminal convictions; expanding already-mandated, supervisor-level sexual harassment Continue Reading
New York State Adopts Final Paid Family Leave Regulations
The Bottom Line Employers should review their existing family and medical leave policies and handbooks to ensure that the specifics of PFL are included by January 1, 2018.Employers should also contact their disability insurance providers to discuss a PFL rider. On July 19, 2017, the New York Continue Reading
Beginning July 1, 2017, Chicago and Cook County Employers Must Provide Paid Sick Leave
The Bottom Line Employers with workers in Chicago and/or Cook County should review their existing paid sick leave and paid time off policies to ensure compliance with the applicable Ordinance(s) and begin preparing to comply with their accrual, carryover and notice obligations by July 1, 2017 if no Continue Reading
New York City Human Rights Law Amended to Ban Employers From Requesting Job Applicant Salary History
The Bottom Line While New York City’s law could potentially face legal challenge by business groups before October 31, 2017, employers are advised to review their hiring practices and identify where salary history is being requested. Employers may need to modify employment applications, Continue Reading