COVID-19 Relief Bill Allows Employers to Voluntarily Extend FFCRA Leave and Claim Tax Credits Through March 31, 2021
On December 21, 2020, Congress passed a large appropriations bill containing $900B in COVID relief. President Trump signed the bill on December 27, 2020. The bill extends tax credits for eligible employers who voluntarily choose to allow employees to take leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) through March 31, 2021. As we […]
Prepare Now for New York State Minimum Wage and Salary Threshold Updates
Effective December 31, 2020, the minimum wage for non-exempt employees will increase in NewYork. The following reflects the new minimum wage, effective December 31, 2020, for all employees in New York (with the exception of fast food workers): Location 12/31/19 12/31/20 12/31/21 NYC – Large Employers (of 11 or more) $15.00 $15.00 NYC – Small […]
New York State WARN Act Amended to Expand List of Entities that Must Receive Notice
On November 11, 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation which amends the New York State Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (“NY WARN Act”) by expanding the list of governmental entities that must receive advance notice of a WARN-triggering event. As you may be aware, the NY WARN Act requires covered businesses to provide 90 days […]
Mayor de Blasio Signs into Law Significant Amendments to the New York City Earned Safe and Sick Time Act
On September 28, 2020, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio signed a bill into law significantly amending the New York City Earned Safe and Sick Time Act (“NYC ESSTA”). The new law was enacted to better align with New York State’s new paid sick leave law (“NYS Paid Sick Leave Law”) and make the […]
COBRA Notices Become Recent Target of ERISA Class Action Lawsuits
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”) enables employees and their dependents to extend health coverage under an employer’s group health plan when coverage would otherwise be lost due to termination of employment or other “qualifying events.” Under COBRA, employees must receive specific notices explaining their COBRA rights. Recently, there has been an increase of class action […]
U.S. DOL Issues Proposed Rule on Classification of Independent Contractors Under the FLSA
Submitted by Ali Law Group PC on September 26, 2020 On September 22, 2020, the United States Department of Labor (“DOL”) announced a proposed rule to clarify whether a worker is deemed an “employee” under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) or an “independent contractor.” Under the proposed rule, the DOL would adopt an “economic […]
United States Department of Labor Issues New Regulations Relating to Paid Leave Under the FFCRA
Submitted by Ali Law Group PC on September 15, 2020 As we previously reported, on August 3, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (“the District Court”) invalidated several key portions of U.S. Department of Labor’s (“DOL”) rules and guidance concerning the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”). Specifically, the […]
New York State Advances Bill that Would Allow Liens on Employer Property for Wage and Hour Claims
The New York State Assembly and Senate have passed a bill that would allow employees to obtain liens on their current or former employers’ personal and/or real property for the value of a wage claim, plus liquidated damages. If signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo, employees would be able to file a wage lien that would […]
U.S. DOL Issues New FAQs Regarding the FFCRA and School Closings
Submitted by Ali Law Group PC on September 2, 2020 The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division has released updated guidance regarding qualifying for paid leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) in relation to school closures and remote learning. We recommend that you review the full FFCRA FAQs, which can […]
U.S. Department of Labor Provides Guidance on Employers’ Obligation to Track Employee Hours While Teleworking
Submitted by Ali Law Group PC on August 28, 2020 On August 24, 2020, the Wage and Hour Division of the United States Department of Labor (DOL) published a Field Assistance Bulletin (“FAB”) providing guidance on employers’ obligations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) to track the hours of compensable work performed by employees […]
New York Federal Court Vacates Several Portions of DOL Regulations Regarding FFCRA Leave
Submitted by Ali Law Group PC on August 18, 2020 On August 3, 2020, a New York federal court invalidated several key portions of Department of Labor’s (“DOL”) rules and guidance concerning the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”). The court’s ruling significantly affects employers and expands the number of employees who are eligible for […]
U.S. Department of Labor Issues New FMLA Forms
Submitted by Ali Law Group PC on August 10, 2020 In July, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor released new model forms employers can use for leaves that employees take pursuant to the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”). The Department has developed the optional-use forms which can be used by employers to provide required […]