The Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires that employers compensate employees for all hours that they “suffer or permit” to work. What does that mean? Basically – if your non-exempt employee works overtime without authorization, he or she still must be compensated. This is true even for the employee who voluntarily takes work home… More
FLSA
Top Five Questions Non-Profits Should Ask About Their Volunteers
Now that summer is upon us, many non-profit organizations have begun utilizing summer volunteers. Questions often arise as to whether wage and hour laws require that these volunteers be paid. The answer is no, if they are truly volunteers. To be certain that they are, here are the top five questions every non-profit should ask… More
Top Seven Laws Every Employer Should Know*
1. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII)– In brief, Title VII bars certain employers from discriminating against employees, former employees, or applicants for employment based on race, color, national origin, religion or sex (including gender and pregnancy). Title VII also prohibits harassment and retaliation based on the same protected characteristics…. More
Lowe’s Takes a Blow with Seven Figure Settlement of Independent Contractor Misclassification Suit
Lowe’s Home Centers agreed to a maximum settlement amount of $6,500,000 plus an additional 25% for attorneys’ fees to settle a class action suit brought by its installation contractors alleging they were misclassified as independent contractors instead of employees. Lowe’s, which offers contractors to install products purchased at its stores in customers’ homes, classified these… More
You Can Exhale a Little On Wage and Hour Claims
As most employers know, wage and hour claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) are one of the hottest topics for plaintiffs lawyers these days. Employers fear these claims because the laws are complicated and do not credit good intentions. Even a minor violation can lead to major liability. And many plaintiffs’ lawyers try… More