Expert Compliance Insights & Tips for Businesses

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced that a restaurant owner would be fined $1.3 million for wage & hour violations. Specifically, on August 22nd, 2024, the federal agency obtained a consent judgment for back wages, withheld tips, and liquidated damages. Entered in the District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the judgment follows a Wage and Hour Division (WHD) investigation. The DOL’s Office of the Solicitor also litigated the case. Generally, both departments found several violations of federal wage regulations by the restaurant and its owner. Previously, in July, the DOL announced a $12 million settlement regarding corporate-wide workplace safety compliance.

On August 20, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas (Court) struck down the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) noncompete agreements ban. This stay affects employers nationwide and eliminates the original rule’s effective date of September 4th, 2024. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a final rule banning noncompete agreements in most aspects of employment.

On August 14th, 2024, the National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) released a National Heat Strategy for 2024-2030. In general, the strategy promotes proactive coordination related to heat planning, response, and resilience. Recently, two federal agencies announced resources on how individuals can avoid heat-related illness. Specifically, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and FEMA are monitoring the risk of extreme heat.

On July 22nd, 2024, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced a $4.2 million conciliation agreement over gender wage discrimination allegations. Specifically, the DOL’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) and a federal financial services provider were...

On July 16th, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced that it obtained a consent judgment involving whistleblower law. Specifically, the ruling came from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington in Tacoma. Significantly, the judgment...

On July 11th, 2024, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced that it entered into a corporate-wide workplace safety compliance settlement. Specifically, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ordered a popular national discount retailer to...

On July 3rd, 2024, two federal agencies announced resources on how individuals can avoid heat-related illness. Specifically, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and FEMA are monitoring the risk of extreme heat. The resources released in early July...

Previously, WorkWise Compliance (formerly Personnel Concepts) reported that lawsuits were filed to block the Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) new overtime provisions. Specifically, on May 22nd, 2024, more than a dozen business groups and a company filed a lawsuit to block the DOL’s new overtime rule. The lawsuit, Plano Chamber of Commerce v. U.S. Department of Labor, was filed in the U.S. District...

The Supreme Court (the Court) recently announced that it will address possible changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Specifically, next term, the Court will address the standard employers must meet to show minimum wage and overtime exemptions. Markedly, the FLSA provides for several federal wage and hour standards. It is also one of five commonly cited employment laws that all employe...