The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that a highly compensated employee who was paid a guaranteed daily rate but not a guaranteed weekly rate was not properly paid “on a salary basis” and, therefore, was not correctly classified as exempt from overtime pay. In other words, an employee who made in excess of $200,000 a year was still owed overtime pay. The decision highlights the importance of employers meeting the “salary basis” test to satisfy what is commonly referred to as the white-collar exemptions from overtime pay.
Impact of Increased Minimum Wage Requirement for Federal Contractors
I recently authored an article for Connector, the official magazine of the Steel Erectors Association of America, outlining the types of government contracts and workers impacted by Executive Order 14026 (EO 14026) that increased the minimum hourly wage for certain federal contractors from $10.50 to $15.00. This increase went into effect on January 30, 2022
Government Contracts Labor & Employment Developments – Part 1
While we are still in the first half of 2022, it has already been a busy year in terms of labor and employment developments for government contractors. For any companies doing work for the federal government, whether as prime contractors or as subcontractors, it can be challenging to keep up with the perpetually changing requirements, particularly when the changes occur this quickly.
Continue Reading Government Contracts Labor & Employment Developments – Part 1
Best Practices for Proactively Managing Workplace Issues and Minimizing the Risk of Employment-Related Litigation
The past few years have been unprecedented for everyone, but employers have faced particular challenges in trying to keep their employees healthy and able to continue working while simultaneously navigating a significant amount of new – and often confusing – legislation, mandates, and executive orders. Due to these challenges, the focus on best practices for day-to-day management of employees has fallen by the wayside for many employers. However, as we approach the two-year mark since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and are beginning to see some light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, now is a great time for employers to revisit these best practices that will enable them to better manage their workforces and reduce the risk of employment-related litigation.
Continue Reading Best Practices for Proactively Managing Workplace Issues and Minimizing the Risk of Employment-Related Litigation
[WEBINAR] What Was Old is New Again – Government Contractor Labor & Employment Updates
Over the past year, the Biden administration has issued a number of labor and employment executive orders applicable to government contractors. Some of those requirements are updates to Obama-era executive orders, while others are new. Together, these obligations, which include an almost 50% increase to the applicable minimum wage, can have a significant impact on contractors.
For any government contractors that have questions about these labor and employment changes, we hope you can join us for an overview of these recent developments.
[WEBINAR] Returning to Familiar Waters – Best Practices for Proactively Managing Workplace Issues and Minimizing the Risk of Employment-Related Litigation
Over the past two years, the pandemic has forced employers to navigate in unchartered waters. The focus on health and safety, managing a remote workforce, and staying abreast of the ever-changing COVID-19-related legislation and guidance has left in-house counsel and human resources professionals with little time to focus on many of the fundamental steps that are essential to proactively and successfully managing employee issues. While the challenges associated with COVID-19 remain at the forefront of employers’ concerns, it is time to return to familiar waters and revisit some of the best HR-related practices.
Join us for the first of a three-part virtual seminar in which Bass, Berry & Sims labor & employment attorneys will address best practices across a range of topics that continue to impact day-to-day operations in the workplace and cause potential risk exposure for employers.
Key Considerations for Emerging Companies: Employment Law Risks
The first few years of operations can be an overwhelming task for emerging companies, especially when it comes to navigating the wide range of employment laws that come with hiring new members of the team. Below is a list of issues to be aware of as you build and structure your workforce. Continue reading to
Labor & Employment Law Update: Recent Developments for Employers
While managing the fallout from COVID-19 has dominated the focus of employers this year, there have been a number of recent employment law developments unrelated to the virus. During this virtual seminar Bass, Berry & Sims labor & employment attorneys will address legislative developments and agency guidance with respect to a number of these issues
Workforce Reduction Options Amid COVID-19
The economic repercussions of COVID-19 have been immediate and in many cases, debilitating, to American business across all industries, from food & beverage to manufacturing to healthcare. Challenges faced include government-mandated closures of certain “non-essential” businesses and reduced demand of products and/or services. As business revenue plummets, many companies are faced with the need to cut significant human capital costs in order to keep their business afloat. Below are some options for companies to consider as they work to address reduced staffing needs.
Furlough
While the term furlough is used to describe various arrangements, typically a furlough is an unpaid leave of absence. A furlough is often ideal for employers who anticipate a temporary need for reduced staffing. Employees on furlough are still technically employed by the employer and, as a result, may be able to remain on the employer’s group health plan(s) if permitted by the terms of the plan(s). Employers may require employees to pay the applicable employee portion of the premium during the furlough. If the employer’s group health plan(s) is not available to employees on furlough, COBRA coverage would commence. Also, many states allow for unemployment compensation to employees on an unpaid furlough.
Employer Obligations Under The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (WEBINAR)
Bass, Berry & Sims labor & employment attorneys recently held a webinar briefing covering key information for employers under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
Employers’ obligations will become effective no later than April 2, 2020. Get the information you need to know regarding the following aspects of the Act:
- Emergency Paid Sick Leave
- Emergency