Federal Court Rules 2024 DOL Overtime Rule is Unlawful
On Friday, November 15, 2024, a federal judge in Texas struck down the 2024 U.S. Department of Labor Rule that substantially increased the minimum salary thresholds for employees to qualify as exempt from overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”).
Federal Appeals Court Ruling on “Disability” to Impact PA Employers
Recently, a federal appeals court determined that temporary pain may be a “disability” under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA), entitling employees to certain job accommodations and protections. This precedential decision from the Philadelphia-based Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit places employers on notice that an employee […]
Federal Judge Strikes Down FTC Noncompete Ban
On August 20, 2024, a U.S. federal district court judge issued an order prohibiting the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) from enforcing its new rule, effectively banning almost all noncompete agreements. The rule was scheduled to become effective September 4, 2024, unless struck down.
New FTC Rule Voids Most Noncompete Clauses: A Paradigm Shift for Employment Contracts
On April 23, 2024, in a 3-2 vote, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), issued a landmark new rule prohibiting most noncompete clauses in employment contracts in an attempt to improve labor mobility and competition. The rule was proposed in January 2024 and subject to a 90-day public comment period, which drew more than 26,000 […]
Navigating the New Federal Overtime Rules: A Guide for Employers
On April 23, the U.S. Department of Labor issued its widely anticipated rule updating the employee overtime exemptions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The new federal overtime rules marks a significant shift in how executive, administrative, and professional employees are classified. This change, effective July 1, 2024, raises the salary thresholds for exempt […]
Jake Sitman Guests on Voices of HR Podcast
Jacob M. Sitman, Shareholder and Chair of the firm’s Employment Law & Labor Relations Group, was a guest on HRMorning’s Voices of HR podcast. This weekly conversation with HR practitioners, thought leaders, and C-suite executives addresses what works and what doesn’t in human resources, people strategy, corporate culture, and more. Mr. Sitman offered his seasoned […]
Redefining the Workforce: The 2024 DOL Rule’s Impact on Independent Contractors
On January 10, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) announced the publication of its highly anticipated Final Rule regarding the test that should be applied to determine whether a worker is an employee or independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”). The Final Rule goes into effect on March 11, 2024.
AI for Hiring & Maintaining Employment Law Compliance
Using artificial intelligence (AI) for hiring can increase productivity and efficiency in the workplace. However, without proper implementation and maintenance, there is a risk that the use of these tools may result in an employer’s violation of federal and state anti-discrimination laws. This article discusses these risks and best practices to remain in compliance with […]
Employment Law Team Members to Serve as Keynote Speakers
Jacob M. Sitman and Vanessa M. Ruggiero of the firm’s Employment Law & Labor Relations Group will be the keynote speakers at the 15th Annual Labor Law and Employment Law Summit of the Northeast PA Manufacturers & Employers Association (MAEA) on Thursday, September 28, 2023.
New OSHA Enforcement Program Targets Warehouses and Distribution Centers
by Jacob M. Sitman and Vanessa M. Ruggiero Last month, the United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a national emphasis program aimed at preventing and reducing workplace hazards in warehouses, distribution centers, and high-risk retail establishments. This new OSHA program will inevitably result in more on-site inspections of the […]