Navigating ERISA Challenges: A Comprehensive Guide to Employee Benefit Plan Wellness Checks

Operating within the complexities of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) can pose significant challenges for plan sponsors. Unlike traditional labor and employment considerations, ERISA’s fiduciary standards may appear more stringent for those involved in making corporate decisions. As ERISA has continued to broaden its reach, it could be argued that it…

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EEOC and DOL Unite to Streamline Workforce Discrimination and Wage Disparity Investigations

In an effort to improve inter-agency coordination, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Department of Labor’s Wage Hour Division (WHD) have begun aligning their efforts, as evident in a recent Memorandum of Understanding between the two. This alliance is set to have significant implications on employers with a complexion of information sharing,…

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Australia’s “Positive Duty”: A Seven-Step Framework for Compliance and Inclusive Workplaces

When the Australian parliament passed the Anti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation bill late last year, it introduced an innovative requirement for employers termed as “Positive Duty”. According to the new provisions, employers are not only expected to respond to incidents of sexual harassment and discrimination at the workplace, but also take proactive steps towards preventing…

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Navigating the Complex Realm of Labor and Employment Law at the 27th Annual Hinshaw & Culbertson Seminar

The 27th Annual Labor & Employment Seminar is set to take place on October 19th in Hoffman Estates, IL. The seminar, tailored exclusively for lawyers and human resources professionals, is an initiative by Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP. The annual seminar attracts participants from some of the world’s largest corporations and reputed law firms, offering them…

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California’s SB 699: The Impact on Employers Using Restrictive Covenants and Noncompetition Agreements

Employers using restrictive covenants, particularly noncompetition agreements, face potential liability due to a new law set to take effect in California on January 1, 2024. According to JD Supra, this law, Senate Bill 699, recently signed by Governor Newsom, may put employers at risk, even if an employee entered into such agreements outside California, in…

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Trusting the Journey: Lisa Kathumbi’s Rise to Office Managing Partner at Littler Mendelson

In a recent piece featured on Law.com, Office Managing Partner Lisa Kathumbi of Littler Mendelson, a renowned labor and employment law firm, shared insights into her professional journey, underscoring the notion of trusting the process. The article highlights how each moment and opportunity offers learning potentials, a theme central to Kathumbi’s career evolution and ascendance…

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Proposed Regulations Shed Light on Wage and Apprenticeship Requirements in Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

The U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have recently issued proposed regulations concerning the prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements per the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. More details can be found here. The drafted regulations adopt the Department of Labor’s published rates for prevailing wages pertinent to the type of construction within the…

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Colorado CDLE’s Unpublicized INFO Sheet Updates: A Silent Risk for Employers

It is essential for all corporate legal professionals, specifically those in Colorado, to stay abreast with the latest regulatory modifications and interpretations. A crucial tool in this context are the INFO sheets disseminated by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE). These documents provide guidance on the CDLE’s interpretation of relevant labor and employment…

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Proposed Rulemaking Seeks Over 50% Increase in Salary Threshold for Overtime Exemptions

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has recently issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, a legislative move that could potentially see a significant increase in the minimum salary threshold required to qualify for the overtime exemptions for executive, administrative, and professional (EAP) workers under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). JD Supra reports that the…

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NLRB’s Cemex Decision Alters Union Recognition Landscape Amidst Unfair Labor Practice Allegations

On August 25, 2023, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) released its long anticipated decision in the Cemex Construction Materials Pacific case (See NLRB Case No. 28-CA-230115). Central to the Cemex case was the question of managing election procedures amidst allegations of unfair labor practices committed by an employer during the “critical period” – the…

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NLRB’s Cemex Decision: A Turning Point in Union Representation Dynamics

On August 25, 2023, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) delivered its decision in the case of Cemex Construction Materials Pacific LLC (Cemex), NLRB Case No. 28-CA-230115. This ruling marked a significant turnaround from previously established law, altering the dynamics for unions seeking representation. Prior to the Cemex decision, when a union sought representation and…

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New Jersey Unveils Proposed Regulations for Temporary Workers’ Bill of Rights

In what marks a significant development for temporary workers in New Jersey, the state has released proposed regulations reinforcing the “Temporary Workers’ Bill of Rights.” As reported earlier, Governor Phil Murphy in February approved the landmark bill that sets forth several fresh labor and employment protections for the state’s over 125,000 temporary workers. The new…

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Texas District Court Ruling Challenges State Preemption Law and Implications for Local Employment Regulations

In a significant legal decision that may have far-reaching implications, a Texas District Court has declared the state’s preemption law unconstitutional. The contentious law, which has been caught in an ongoing legal battle, pertains to the state’s attempt to nullify local enactments on employment and other matters that contradict or exceed the provisions of state…

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10 Essential Labor Law Updates: Navigating Compliance and Adaptation for September and Beyond

Keeping pace with the ever-evolving landscape of labor and employment law is no small task, particularly given the swift pace at which changes are implemented. In an era where adaptability is paramount, it is critical for legal professionals to remain updated on recent developments, and to create action plans that ensure compliance. Taking into consideration…

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