Labor Law Updates

In a recent development, a U.S. district judge in Texas has issued a ruling that halts the implementation of the new NLRB joint-employer rule. This decision, made on March 8, 2024, is prompting employers across various industries to take a closer look at their legal responsibilities and obligations.

You're likely familiar with the mandatory labor law postings you’re required to display in your workplace, but did you know that's only part of the equation? Beyond these posters, you're legally obligated to directly distribute specific notices to employees in certain situations.

One employee complaint. That’s all it takes to trigger a Department of Labor (DOL) investigation. And in most cases, those investigations are due to questionable time and pay practices. There are explicit rules regarding minimum wage, overtime pay, exemption classification and recordkeeping under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) — and the DOL will step in if the rules are violated.

Human trafficking involves the exploitation of individuals for labor or commercial sex through force, fraud or coercion, typically affecting vulnerable populations of women, children, migrants and marginalized communities

The decision to use an independent contractor vs. hiring an employee is no longer just a matter of convenience: it’s a strategic choice that can impact your business. Ultimately, your decision will depend on your business priorities, your cash flow and the type of relationship you intend to maintain.