Labor Law Updates

Keeping you current on the ever changing labor laws

California Computer Professionals' Base Wage Rate Jumps 2.9%

In California, employees in the computer software field (“computer professionals”) may be exempt from the state overtime requirements and other protections granted to non-exempt workers, such as reporting time pay and mandatory meal and rest breaks. There are two tests that must be met before an employee is considered an exempt computer professional, one of Read more

Maine Video Display Terminal Poster Updated

The Maine Department of Labor (MDOL) has updated the mandatory notice which details the Maine Video Display Terminal (VDT) law. This law, which was enacted in 1989, requires employers with employees who regularly operate a “video display terminal” (i.e., a computer) to implement a training and education program to protect workers from adverse effects that Read more

Rhode Island’s Healthy and Safe Families and Workplace Act

Paid sick leave laws continue to be a growing trend in the United States. Rhode Island is the latest state to join seven states and Washington, D.C. in requiring paid sick leave. Under the Healthy and Safe Families and Workplace Act, effective July 1, 2018, employers with 18 employees must allow employees to accrue and Read more

World Mental Health Day

Today marks the 25th World Mental Health Day, an international day of awareness created by the World Federation of Mental Health to educate the public on important issues related to mental health. This year’s theme is Mental Health in the Workplace, so we’ve decided to participate by providing information to employers on their obligations under Read more

DOJ Shakes Federal Consensus on Gender Identity Discrimination

Those who hoped that the new administration would bring “certainty” for employers are probably a bit disappointed right now, as the most recent move from the federal government raises more questions about protections for transgender employees under federal law. On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released a memo which resets federal policy on Read more

minimum wage

In the last few days, several states tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) have officially announced their 2018 minimum wage rates. CPI is a measure of the average change in prices of goods and services purchased by households over time. Each year, these states adjust their minimum wage rates for an increase in the Read more

Last month, Illinois amended its Human Rights Act (IHRA) (775 ILCS 5/) to clarify the protection of employees’ sincerely held religious beliefs in the workplace. Individuals were already protected from discrimination based on religion but the amended statute, known as the “Religious Garb Law” (SB 1697), makes certain protections more explicit. The new law prohibits Read more

Canadian Labour Law Posters Updated

Earlier this year, five Canadian provinces increased their minimum wage rates. Now, the other five will follow suit with wage increases to ranging from 15 cents to $1.40. Alberta’s minimum wage workers will see the largest jump as the second in a series of scheduled increases brings the rate towards $15.00 per hour. New Minimum Read more

Federal Contractor Minimum Wage Rate Increases January 1, 2018

The US Department of Labor has announced the 2018 minimum wage rate required by Executive Order 13658. The Executive Order (EO) establishes a minimum wage requirement for Federal contractors and subcontractors. Each year, the U.S. Secretary of Labor determines the EO minimum wage rate based on the annual increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Next January, Read more