Federal Court Vacates 2021 US Department of Labor Final Rule on Tipped Workers
On August 23, 2024, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in Texas vacated the US Department of Labor (DOL) 2021 Final Rule which had set strict guidance on the payment of tipped employees. As a reminder, the 2021 Rule had established three different categories of work that may be performed by tipped employees and specified […]
Federal Judge Blocks Nationwide Noncompete Ban
Lake Effect previously blogged about the FTC’s ban on noncompetition agreements. In a game-changing decision for employers, a federal judge in Texas has blocked the FTC’s nationwide ban on noncompetes, which was scheduled to take effect on September 4, 2024. The judge ruled that the FTC lacked substantive rulemaking authority to address unfair methods of […]
FTC Ban on Noncompetition Agreements Takes Effect
As we previously reported, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) issued its final rule on April 23, 2024, banning noncompetition agreements and related provisions. The rule will take effect on September 4, 2024, 120 days after publication in the Federal Register. As of September 4th, employers who have employees under existing noncompete agreements and related provisions, […]
Encourage Employees to Use Their PTO
It’s Good for Them – and Good for Your Organization Paid Time Off policies are designed to provide employees time away from work to recharge, take care of their own well-being, and support loved ones during times of need, yet so often employees do not use all their earned time. According to a Pew Research […]
Be Ready on July 1: Initial Increase in Salary Level for Exempt Employees to Take Effect
US Department of Labor (DOL) issued a final rule that substantially increases the minimum salary levels for exempt employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Updated EEOC Guidelines on Workplace Harassment
On April 29, 2024, the Equal Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) released its latest Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace (the “Guidance”). The Guidance updates prior EEOC guidelines on: (1) legally protected characteristics; (2) how harassment must affect a “term, condition, or privilege of employment;” (3) and standards for establishing liability. Although the EEOC Guidance does not […]
FTC Bans Noncompete Agreements
On April 23, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) issued its final rule banning noncompete clauses in employment agreements. Barring a successful legal challenge (including lawsuits already filed in Texas courts), the rule will take effect 120 days after publication in the Federal Register. At that time, employers who have employees under existing noncompete agreements will […]
US Department Of Labor Raises Salary Thresholds For Exempt Employees
Employers wake up today to a daunting new landscape as they face higher salary requirements for their exempt employees. On April 23, 2024, the US Department of Labor (DOL) issued a final rule that substantially increases the minimum salary levels for exempt employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). If an employee’s job duties and fixed salary level meets […]
New Wisconsin Employment-Related Laws
On March 27, 2024, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed two bills into law that have the potential to require actions for some employers.
CDC Updates Guidance
Throughout the COVID pandemic, Lake Effect has encouraged employers to follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance regarding COVID isolation and return to work protocols to ensure individuals do not return to work prematurely or jeopardize the health and safety of others. On March 1, 2024, the CDC updated the isolation guidance for those […]
