COBRA Notices Become Recent Target of ERISA Class Action Lawsuits

health insurance form

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

Man working from home on phone

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 […]

U.S. DOL Issues New FAQs Regarding the FFCRA and School Closings

School closed sign

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 […]

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 […]

U.S. Supreme Court Holds Title VII Protects LGBTQ Employees

Submitted by Ali Law Group PC on June 18, 2020 The United States Supreme Court issued a landmark decision on June 15, 2020, in the case of Bostock v. Clayton County, ruling that the prohibitions against discrimination “because of sex” contained in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) extend to […]

DOL Amends Regulation on “Fluctuating Workweek” Method of Pay

Submitted by Ali Law Group PC on May 26, 2020 On May 20, 2020, the US Department of Labor (“DOL”) announced a final rule that clarifies that payments in addition to the fixed salary are compatible with the use of the fluctuating workweek method of pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The final […]

New Form I-9 Published on January 31, 2020

Submitted by Ali Law Group PC on February 7, 2020 On January 31, 2020, United States Citizen and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) published the new version of the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. The latest version includes minor changes to the form and its instructions and is dated October 21, 2019 (the date the new version […]