Wage & Hour Developments
Wage & Hour Developments
The regulatory landscape, appetite for administrative agency enforcement, and judicial interpretations related to wage-and-hour issues are rapidly evolving. Our blog is a one-stop resource for federal- and state-level updates and analysis on wage-and-hour-related developments affecting employers.
Illinois Moves Toward Paid Leave for Any Reason
The Illinois legislature, on January 10, 2023, passed the Paid Leave for All Workers Act (PLFAW), which Governor Pritzker announced he will sign into law. Should the bill be enacted, Illinois would become the third state (after Maine and Nevada) to require private employers to provide employees with earned paid leave to use for any reason.
Berkeley, California, Adopts a Fair Workweek Ordinance
Starting in November 2023, covered employers in Berkley, California will need to be prepared to comply with the Berkeley Fair Workweek Ordinance (the Ordinance).
City of Mountain View, California Enacts Wage Theft Ordinance
The city council of Mountain View, California, adopted Chapter 42 Article IV of the Mountain View City Code on September 13, 2022, establishing, in part, the Wage Theft Ordinance (the Ordinance) effective January 1, 2023.
California Minimum Wage Requirements Effective January 1, 2023
Over the past several years, California has gradually increased the state's minimum wage rate, resulting in the most recent increase, effective January 1, 2023, to $15.50 per hour for all employers. This minimum wage rate applies to all employees, subject to a few limited exceptions. This increase also affects the minimum annual salary requirement for exempt employees.
2023 Internal Revenue Service Mileage Rates
Employers who utilize the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) standard mileage reimbursement rates should be aware that the IRS has updated its standard mileage rates, effective January 1, 2023.
California Labor Commissioner Issues FAQs on New Pay Data and Salary Disclosure Bill
Last fall, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new pay transparency law effective January 1, 2023. A description of the law can be found here.
FTC Proposes National Ban on Noncompete Clauses
On January 5, 2023, in an announcement that could have sweeping implications for employers across the country, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) proposed a new rule that would ban employers from imposing noncompete clauses on their workers and invalidate all existing noncompetes curren
Los Angeles Fair Work Week Ordinance Imposes New Wage and Hour Requirements for Certain Retail Businesses
In November 2022, the Los Angeles City Council passed the Fair Work Week Ordinance, which requires retail businesses in Los Angeles with 300 employees or more to follow certain scheduling restrictions.
Washington, D.C., Voters Approve Phasing Out Tipped Minimum Wage
On November 8, 2022, voters in Washington, D.C., overwhelmingly passed Initiative 82, the "District of Columbia Tip Credit Elimination Act of 2021," which will phase out the tipped mandatory base wage by 2027.
Personal Liability for Wage Claims? Virginia Says ‘No,’ but Other States Say ‘Yes’
In October 2022, the Supreme Court of Virginia ruled that an individual cannot face personal liability as an "employer" under the Virginia Wage Payment Act (VWPA). The decision both clarifies Virginia law and serves as an important reminder for employers (and their managers and supervisors) that many states can impose personal liability on individuals for wage-and-hour claims.
DIR Updates 2023 California Exemption Rates for Computer Software Employees and Licensed Physicians and Surgeons
Each year, the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) updates the minimum pay requirements for certain exempt professions. This October, the DIR updated the 2023 rates for computer software employees and licensed physicians and surgeons.
US Department of Labor Proposes Independent Contractor Rule
On October 13, 2022, the U.S.
California Governor Signs New Pay Data and Salary Disclosure Bill
Governor Gavin Newsom signed California's Senate Bill 1162, a pay transparency law aimed at identifying pay disparities based on gender, ethnicity, and race, on September 27, 2022.
California’s FAST Recovery Act Establishes a Council With Broad Authority to Set Standards for Fast Food Workers
On September 5, 2022, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Fast Food Accountability and Standards Recovery Act (FAST Recovery Act or A.B. 257).
Michigan Wage and Hour Laws on the Move?
Employers with Michigan employees should remain vigilant to the likelihood of profound changes to the state's wage-and-hour laws, including a new sick leave obligation, an increase in the minimum wage to $12.00 an hour, and a phase-out of the tipped employee wage classification. Pending the outcome of current litigation, these changes could take effect as soon as February 21, 2023.