U.S. Department of Labor

Across the country, it seems there is a renewed interest in organized labor and workers’ wages, both from the public generally and the federal government.  As it always has been, the retail space remains a likely proving ground for union activity and agency enforcement. 
Continue Reading DOL, NLRB Will Collaborate on Investigations, Share Information

Environmental, social and corporate governance – like climate change and environmental justice – has been a hot topic of discussion in the early days of the Biden administration. Illustrating the interconnectedness of the trending issues, climate change and environmental justice are pillars of ESG.
Continue Reading Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance: What are the Risks, Really?

On May 19, 2020, the US Department of Labor issued its final rule likely expanding the FLSA’s Section 7(i) overtime exemption for commission-based workers in retail and service industries by withdrawing the long-standing, historical list of businesses that the DOL identified as falling within or outside of what it deemed to be a retail or service establishment.
Continue Reading The DOL’s New Rule Removes Presumption Against Overtime Exemption For Possible Retail And Service Establishments, Broadening Availability To Employers

Many retailers use bonus programs to incentivize employee performance. With respect to bonuses paid to non-exempt employees (i.e., those employees who are entitled to overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act), the retailer must then determine whether it owes additional overtime on the incentive bonus.
Continue Reading Must a Retailer Pay Additional Overtime on Incentive Bonuses Paid to Non-exempt Employees? DOL Opinion Letter Says, “It Depends”