On September 22, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a proposed rule simplifying the test to determine whether a worker is considered an “employee” under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) or an “independent contractor”. In short, the proposed rule uses the “economic reality” test as the basis for whether a worker is
Fluctuating Workweek Method for Paying Overtime – DOL Opines It Need Not Fluctuate Below 40 Hours Per Week
On August 31, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued an opinion letter addressing whether employees’ hours must fluctuate above and below 40 hours per week to qualify for the fluctuating workweek method (FWM) of calculating overtime pay. Although this post is primarily for employers who have already instituted the FWM, if you’re curious
DOL Issues Guidance Regarding Time Off Under FFCRA Due to Summer Camp Closure Due to COVID-19
On June 26, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) issued Field Assistance Bulletin No. 2020-4, addressing employee paid leave under the Family First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) to care for a child whose summer camp, enrichment or other program is closed due to COVID-19. The FFCRA allows an employee up to 10 weeks
DOL Issues Final Rule Allowing Employers to Pay Bonuses Under Fluctuating Workweek Method
On May 20, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published its final rule allowing employers to pay bonuses and incentives to employees who are paid a salary plus overtime on the fluctuating workweek method (FWM) of computing overtime (employees who are paid a salary whether they work few hours or many, plus 1/2 overtime
DOL Issues Final Rule Providing Flexibility to Retail and Service Industry Employers
On Monday, May 18, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor released a final rule, effective immediately, regarding retail and service industry exceptions from overtime for employees primarily paid on commissions. The new rule simply removes two (2) previous provisions which listed industries that the DOL then-viewed as having “no retail concept” or “may be
DOL Issues 3 New Opinion Letters Regarding Excludability of Payments from the Regular Rate
On March 26, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued three new Opinion Letters, FLSA2020-3, FLSA2020-4, and FLSA2020-5 which all address various payments that may be excluded from the regular rate. This is important because the compensation that is included into the regular rate will increase the overtime rate. In a very
DOL Issues Temporary Rule for FFCRA
The U.S. Department of Labor just issued its Temporary Rule regarding its interpretation of Paid Leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). 29 C.F.R. Part 826. I’m still digesting this and the IRS guidance (I just blogged about) so stay tuned. For now, the link above will get you to the Rule.
IRS Issues Detailed FAQ Regarding COVID-19 Leave and Form 7200
The IRS has finally issued much-awaited FAQ on Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Notably, the IRS has taken a much stricter interpretation of the FFCRA than many practitioners (including me!) were when attempting to interpret the law without any guidance. I highly encourage businesses to review the website and FAQ – because the FFCRA
DOL Issues Employee Rights Notice Poster for FFCRA
The DOL has finally issued the poster that employers must post notifying employee of their rights under the FFCRA in both English and Spanish. This must be posted and kept posted, “in conspicuous places on the premises of the employer where notices to employees are customarily posted.” This requirement can be met, however, by
Employer Obligations Under the Federal Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act
On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Families First Act or FFCRA) into law which, among other things, amends the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) with the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (EFMLA). Here is what employers need to know about Public Health Emergency Leave (“PHEL”):
- Employees