Labor Law Updates

Hiring teens for after-school, summer, or part-time jobs can be a great way to build your team — but it also comes with legal responsibilities. The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), along with state-specific child labor laws, sets clear guidelines around hiring minors.

Labor law compliance is more complicated than many small businesses realize — especially when it comes to workplace posting requirements. While some employers may be unaware of all the federal, state and local rules, others assume that hanging a few posters in the breakroom once a year is enough.

Are labor law posters required? It’s a question that comes up a lot with certain businesses, where they assume they’re exempt from the requirements. This Q&A article addresses a handful of possible scenarios, and whether or not workplace postings still apply.

On April 21, 2025, the Spokane City Council passed a new ordinance that could signal a shift in how job applications are handled across the country. Known as “Ban the Address,” this law prohibits certain employers from asking for a job applicant’s home address during the early stages of hiring.

Paid sick leave laws are continuing to gain ground across the country, with more states and localities stepping up to protect employees in the absence of a federal mandate. These laws not only provide crucial time off for health-related needs but also come with specific employer obligations, including mandatory postings and employee notifications.