DOL clarifies FLSA’s “amusement or recreational establishment” exemption

On January 15, 2021, the Wage and Hour Division (WHD) of the US Department of Labor issued opinion letter FLSA2021-3. The letter explores the scope of Section 13 (a)(3) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which creates an exemption from the minimum wage and overtime provisions for “an employee employed by an establishment which […]
State Employment Laws to Consider with Remote Workers

Employers across the country – from small nonprofits to multi-national corporations – are grappling with whether and how to maintain a remote workforce with employees in multiple states. There are distinct advantages to allowing employees to work from their home, wherever that may be, and opening the applicant pool to a remote workforce. (See our […]
Dane County Public Health Emergency Order #12

Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC) has issued a new public health order, Emergency Order #12, effective January 13, 2021. The primary changes are summarized below and are outlined by PHMDC in its comparison of Emergency Orders #11 and #12. Outdoor Gatherings. Outdoor mass gatherings are permitted with up to 50 individuals, not including […]
DOL Issues Final Rule on Independent Contractor Status under FLSA

***Update, January 27, 2021*** UPDATED BY EXECUTIVE ORDER – CLICK HERE FOR UPDATED INFORMATION **** On January 6, 2021, the US Department of Labor announced a final rule establishing the test for whether a worker will be classified as an independent contractor or an employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”). The final rule […]
DOL Issues Timely Wage and Hour Rule and Guidance

***Update, January 27, 2021*** UPDATED BY EXECUTIVE ORDER – CLICK HERE FOR UPDATED INFORMATION **** Over the last few weeks, the Department of Labor (DOL) has been busy ticking items off its to-do list. We have seen action on everything from tip pooling to employee notices to travel time. Tip Pooling and Tip Credits In […]
President Trump Signs COVID-19 Emergency Relief Bill

After an unexpected delay during which he strongly criticized the stimulus legislation passed by Congress on December 21, President Trump signed the $900 billion COVID-19 emergency relief bill into law on December 27, 2020. The new legislation aims to help individuals, businesses, and organizations across the country to offset the devastating economic effects of the […]
EEOC Updates COVID-19 Guidance to Address Vaccinations

On December 16, 2020, the EEOC updated its What You Should Know About Covid-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws to address COVID-19 vaccinations. The update confirms that employers may require approved COVID-19 vaccinations when they are available, but they must do so in compliance with EEO laws. Given the uncertain landscape created […]
Dane County Public Health Emergency Order #11

Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC) has issued a new public health order, Emergency Order #11, effective Wednesday, December 16, 2020. The primary changes are the loosened restrictions on mass gatherings. Revised Definition. A mass gathering is now defined as “a planned event such as a concert, festival, meeting, training, conference, performance, show, sporting […]
COVID-19 vaccines on the horizon: What does it mean for employers?

On December 10, 2020, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee will meet to review Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine and recommend whether to authorize its emergency use in the United States. Moderna is also seeking FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for its COVID-19 vaccine, and dozens of other pharmaceutical companies are in the process of […]
CDC Updates Guidance on COVID-19 Quarantine

On December 2, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance on how long a person should quarantine after exposure to someone with COVID-19. “Quarantine” keeps someone who has been in close contact with a known COVID-19 case away from others to prevent the spread of the virus. The CDC’s current […]
