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Employment Law

DOL rule would raise OT salary threshold to $55,068

08/31/2023
The Biden administration on Aug. 30 proposed a new rule increasing the white-collar overtime salary threshold to $55,068, a 55% increase over the current threshold of $35,568. Practical impact: Exempt administrative, executive and professional employees who earn less than $55,068 per year ($1,059 per week) must receive overtime pay if they work more than 40 hours in a workweek.

Insist that clients honor your anti-discrimination and anti-harassment commitment

08/31/2023
Of course the EEOC keeps an eye out for cases of discrimination and harassment committed by co-workers and supervisors. But did you know it also investigates—and files lawsuits—when employees allege discrimination and harassment perpetrated by customers and clients?

EEOC’s new strategic plan targets discrimination

08/28/2023
The EEOC on Aug. 22 approved a new strategic plan for fiscal years 2022–2026 that focuses on preventing employment discrimination through targeted enforcement while advancing equal employment opportunities with education and outreach.

Accused of religious bias? Brace for years of litigation

08/25/2023
Expect more requests for religious accommodations and more objections to performing some tasks. That kind of employee pushback—aided by well-financed nonprofit groups willing to litigate their cases—is already yielding more EEOC religious-discrimination complaints and federal lawsuits.

DEI on the chopping block? Appeals court tees it up

08/25/2023
A federal appeals court just made it harder for some employers to defend against discrimination claims, and the ruling could set up a big Supreme Court fight that may put diversity, equity and inclusion programs in jeopardy nationwide.

Conservative group sues, claiming DEI programs discriminate

08/25/2023
Predictions of an assault on employers’ diversity, equity and inclusion programs appear to be coming true. Hoping to piggyback on the argument that persuaded the U.S. Supreme Court to outlaw affirmative action at colleges and universities, a conservative group has sued two law firms for programs designed to increase diversity in the legal profession.

Beware bias claims if you use AI to screen applicants

08/23/2023
If you use AI to screen applicants, watch out! The EEOC is primed to spot evidence of AI-caused discrimination.

Federal AI in employment legislation may be coming

08/21/2023
The No Robot Bosses Act would prohibit employers from exclusively relying on AI when making hiring, promotion or other employment decisions. In addition, it would require periodic testing to prevent bias from influencing AI processes and built-in bias.

Stopping harassment is mandatory, warning employees maybe not

08/21/2023
Employers are required to stop harassment when it occurs by taking reasonable actions such as disciplining the harasser. But do employers have an obligation to warn other employees about harassers in their midst?

Using tip credit to pay employees? Follow DOL’s 80/20 rule

08/21/2023
How should you pay employees who receive tips but also perform other non-tipped work? That’s where the Department of Labor’s 80/20 tip-credit rule comes into play.