Furloughs can be an effective way to cut costs during times of decreased business activity. However, employers should think through the decision carefully with special attention paid to pay, benefits, and other issues. Here are answers to frequently asked questions related to furloughs. Q: What ...

New York City has enacted legislation (Int. No. 2032-A) that amends the city's Earned Safe and Sick Time Act (ESSTA) to better align with the New York State Paid Sick Leave (NYPSL) law. Int. No. 2032-A is effective immediately. Background: Earned Safe and Sick Time Act: New York City's ESSTA ...

Some states regulate the collection, use and disclosure of biometric data, which may include the data collected by finger- or hand-scanning time clocks. The following is a brief description of some of these state laws. Please read on to help ensure that your company is staying ...

The District of Columbia has enacted an emergency ordinance that requires employers with 50-499 employees to provide paid leave to employees impacted by COVID-19. The emergency ordinance also temporarily expands the D.C. Family and Medical Leave Act (DCFMLA). The emergency ordinance took effect ...

A federal district court judge in New York has struck down regulations relating to joint employment under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Background: Among other things, the FLSA requires employers to pay non-exempt employees at least the minimum wage for each hour worked and overtime ...

Minnesota's minimum wage will increase on January 1, 2021 as a result of an annual adjustment for inflation. Large employers (defined as those with annual gross revenue of $500,000 or more) must pay non-exempt employees in Minnesota at least $10.08 per hour beginning January 1, 2021. The ...

Massachusetts has issued amended regulations implementing the state's paid family and medical leave program. Background: In 2018, Massachusetts enacted legislation that requires all private employers with employees in the state to provide paid family and medical leave (PFML) to eligible ...

Hawaii has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 2193) that shortens the lookback period that's allowed when considering criminal conviction records for employment purposes. Senate Bill 2193 is effective immediately. Background: Under state law, employers may inquire about and consider criminal ...

Hawaii has enacted legislation (House Bill 2148) that expands and clarifies the Hawaii Family Leave Law (HFLL). While House Bill 2148 wasn't enacted until September 15, 2020, the law says it is effective July 1, 2020. Background: The HFLL requires employers with 100 or more ...

Hawaii has enacted legislation (House Bill 2054) that prohibits employers from retaliating against an employee for disclosing or discussing sexual harassment or sexual assault. House Bill 2054 is effective immediately. House Bill 2054 also prohibits employers from requiring an employee to enter ...