January 2016

This year federal contractors and subcontractors will be busy navigating new laws and new posting responsibilities. Changes include an increase in the federal contractor minimum wage rate, implementation of the final rule requiring pay transparency, and expanded Equal Employment Opportunity rights for employees and applicants of federal contractors or subcontractors. For each of these changes Read more

The state of Connecticut has passed a new law (Public Act 15-206) that imposes restrictions on the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems and vapor products in various establishments and public areas. As defined in the law, an “electronic nicotine delivery system” is a device that may be used to simulate smoking in the delivery Read more

New York City (NYC) Mayor Bill de Blasio has signed bill, Intro. 743-A to establish an Office of Labor Standards. The office will enforce the City’s paid sick leave and transit benefits laws. This comes as a result of pending rules that will help clarify provisions in the City’s paid sick leave law. The goal Read more

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration Recordkeeping Regulation (29 CFR 1904) requires employers to prepare and maintain records of work-related injuries and illnesses. Covered employers are required to complete and post the OSHA Form 300A, Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses by February 1st. The form must be visible to employees and prospective employees until Read more

In 2014, New Jersey’s Governor Chris Christie signed the Opportunity to Compete Act also known as Ban the Box law to assist individuals with criminal records reintegrate into the community by offering them a fair chance to apply to job positions. The law, which became effective March 1, 2015, prohibits employers from requiring prospective employees to complete Read more

New California Workers’ Compensation regulations went into effect on January 1, 2016. The regulations revised several employee benefit notices so that injured workers have a clearer understanding of their rights and responsibilities in the workers’ compensation claims process and to reduce litigation. The regulations also revised the mandatory Workers’ Compensation posting, Notice to Employees – Read more

On January 1, 2016, the minimum wage rate in the state of Massachusetts increased from $9.00 per hour to $10.00 per hour. The minimum wage rate increase is the second in a series of three annual increases required by Senate Bill 2195 signed in 2014 by Governor Deval Patrick. The next increase is scheduled for Read more

The paid sick leave momentum continues in the state of New Jersey. Two new municipal paid sick leave laws are anticipated to go into effect in early 2016. Both laws are expected to be similar to the other New Jersey municipalities’ paid sick leave laws. New Brunswick New Brunswick’s approved paid sick leave law is Read more