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Non-exempt, non-exempt salaried and exempt are some of the most misunderstood terms when it comes to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Unfortunately, misunderstanding these terms and the FLSA’s rules that govern them can result in costly penalties. To help you understand these classifications better, here are some key points about each.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published a final rule clarifying the rights of employees to authorize a representative to accompany OSHA compliance officers during an inspection of their workplace. The rule takes effect May 31, 2024.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has issued a final rule that implements the federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). The final rule takes effect June 18, 2024.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has published a rule that temporarily increases the automatic extension period of employment authorization and/or Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766 or EAD) validity from up to 180 days to up to 540 days. 

Washington state has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 5793), which expands paid sick leave protections under state law. Senate Bill 5793 takes effect on Jan. 1, 2025.

Washington state has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 5778), which protects employees who refuse to attend employer meetings or listen to (or view) employer communications because the meetings or communications involve political or religious matters. Senate Bill 5778 takes effect on June 6, 2024.

The city of Duluth, Minnesota has repealed its paid sick leave ordinance effective Jan. 17, 2024.

Los Angeles County, California has enacted an ordinance that will impose various obligations on covered employers regarding the criminal histories of applicants and employees. The ordinance applies to only the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County and takes effect Sept.  3, 2024.

New York City has released a “Know Your Rights at Work” poster, which NYC employers must begin distributing to employees by July 1, 2024. The City has also published its “Workers’ Bill of Rights” website.