Wages & Hours

Snapshot: Most Americans favor $15 minimum wage

04/27/2021

Even 71% of those who oppose a $15-per-hour minimum wage are in favor of raising it to some lesser amount.

Your vaccination decisions: 5 key issues to consider

04/15/2021

You should absolutely formalize your decisions in a written vaccination policy that you provide to each employee, so that everyone is on the same page as to your requirements and expectations. Here are the five key considerations that should be front of mind.

Pay employees for pre-shift COVID screening

04/15/2021

To decide if you must pay employees for their pre- or post-work activities—such as putting on uniforms, waiting in a time-clock line, etc.—take a look at the Fair Labor Standards Act. The main issue is whether the pre- or post-activity is “integral” and “indispensable” to the employee’s principal activity.

It’s time to scrap pay-secrecy policies

04/01/2021

Traditionally, employers have tried to keep a lid on compensation-related discord by asking employees not to discuss pay. To some extent, that’s just the way it’s always been. But today, no-talk-about-pay rules are under legal assault, challenged for violating the law and helping perpetuate income inequality.

Walsh to lead Biden pro-worker agenda

04/01/2021

For the first time in 40 years, the U.S. Department of Labor is now headed by a union leader. Marty Walsh will take the lead on advocating for workers on an array of issues.

Now is the time to get in front of the coming pay-equity wave

03/25/2021

Closing the wage gap between women and men is emerging as one of today’s most pressing workplace challenges. Smart employers are planning for a post-pandemic future in which there is greater wage parity between women and men.

Assure gender equity by assessing your operations

03/18/2021

The Biden administration is signaling it is serious about addressing pay disparities between women and men in the workplace. A White House executive order issued March 8 established a Gender Policy Council to help combat systemic, gender-based bias and harassment.

Double wages due for ignoring FLSA pay rules

03/18/2021

When the Department of Labor catches employers underpaying employees in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act, the penalty is to pay the amount owed—and then double it. If the underpaid employee hired an attorney to plead her case, then the employer may end up paying those legal fees, too.

DOL rescinds 2 Trump-era wage-and-hour rules

03/16/2021

The Department of Labor moved March 11 to rescind two rules finalized by the Trump administration that the DOL now says significantly weaken protections afforded to workers by the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Paycheck Fairness Act introduced again, and this time it could pass

02/23/2021

The PFA places a high bar in front of employers trying to justify differentials between the wages paid to women and men.