Seyfarth Synopsis: The DOL’s Wage and Hour Division just scrapped its policy of seeking liquidated damages (double damages) in FLSA investigations. Why? Because it probably didn’t have the statutory authority in the first place, and doing so slowed down resolutions. Going forward WHD investigators are no longer allowed to demand liquidated damages in administrative settlements.
The U.S. DOL‘s Wage and
Continue Reading WHD Makes it Clear: Double Damages are (Liqui)Dated
Seyfarth Synopsis: In a welcome development for employers navigating complex federal employment laws, the U.S. Department of Labor has announced the re-launch of its opinion letter program across several agencies, including the Wage and Hour Division (WHD). The move may also reflect a broader shift in how the DOL will leverage its potentially reduced resources—aiming to maximize impact through a
Continue Reading “Dear DOL”: Labor Department Re-Launches Opinion Letter ProgramBy: Kelly J. Koelker and Michael E. Steinberg
The rules governing the employment relationship are always changing. Laws creating new employer obligations, technology solutions making work more efficient and more complicated, and rules governing the resolution of disputes between employers and their workers are around every corner. Wage and Hour Around the Corner is a new blog series for employers
Continue Reading Wage and Hour Around The Corner: To Defer or Not to Defer: That is the Question Facing Lower Fed Courts and States After SCOTUS Decision in Loper Bright
Tips from Seyfarth is a blog series for employers, and their in-house lawyers and HR, payroll, and compensation professionals, in the food, beverage, and hospitality sector. We curate wage and hour compliance “tips” to keep this busy industry informed.
Seyfarth Synopsis: On October 29, 2024, the Fifth Circuit granted the Department of Labor’s Petition for Panel Rehearing in the 80/20
Continue Reading Tips from Seyfarth: Opinion Update – Fifth Circuit Clarifies Scope of its Decision Vacating 80/20 Rule
Seyfarth Synopsis: On September 11, 2024, a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit held in Mayfield v. U.S. Department of Labor that the Secretary’s salary tests for evaluating overtime exemptions are valid and do not exceed the Department of Labor’s authority under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”).
Robert Mayfield, a Texas-based fast-food purveyor, challenged
Continue Reading Fifth Circuit Ruling: 2019 Salary Threshold Increase Did Not Exceed Authority
Tips from Seyfarth is a blog series for employers, and their in-house lawyers and HR, payroll, and compensation professionals, in the food, beverage, and hospitality sector. We curate wage and hour compliance “tips” to keep this busy industry informed.
Seyfarth Synopsis: In a unanimous decision, a panel of the Fifth Circuit invalidated the DOL’s 2021 rule codifying the 80/20 rule.
Continue Reading Tips from Seyfarth: In a Major Win for Restaurants, Fifth Circuit Vacates DOL’s 80/20 Rule
Seyfarth Synopsis: The DOL’s revised overtime exemption rule takes effect today, July 1, 2024. While several lawsuits are challenging the rule, a last-minute injunction was ultimately granted for only one employer: the State of Texas. The rule is in effect for all other businesses, including businesses in Texas.
In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor published its
Continue Reading Injunction Party of One: New OT Rule Takes Effect for All Employers…Except the State of Texas
By: Kevin M. Young
Seyfarth Synopsis: With the DOL’s new overtime exemption rule weeks from taking effect, employers must consider the impacts of reclassifying exempt employees. Some potential impacts are obvious, others not so much. Proactive, thoughtful planning is key for employers to navigate these waters for their business and impacted employees alike.
With the U.S. DOL’s final overtime exemption
Continue Reading Ripples in the OT Waters: Considering the Downstream Effects of Reclassifying Exempt Employees
Seyfarth synopsis: Today, the U.S. DOL unveiled its final overtime rule. The rule significantly increases the minimum salary for so-called “white collar” employees to be exempt from the federal FLSA’s overtime pay requirements. This development requires attention from virtually all employers.
The DOL’s final overtime rule, Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales, and Computer Employees
Continue Reading U.S. DOL Releases Final Overtime Rule—Effective July 2024By: A. Scott Hecker and Ariel Fenster
Seyfarth Synopsis: Child labor laws remain fertile ground for government enforcement as evaluate key issues for 2024. Late last year, the Wage Hour Division released guidance for new processes to assess greater penalties against companies who violated child labor laws. Companies should take note of the increased financial risks and overall teamwork between
Continue Reading Child Labor Law Penalties on the Rise – Employers Face Various Avenues to Increased Exposure