Meridian Compensation Partners, LLC’s Post

Compensation was king this week in the latest OFCCP Week in Review! In this episode, our experts discuss the FAR Council's latest Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding "Pay Equity and Transparency in Federal Contracting," and OFCCP's new FAQs on compensation history and whether they do (or don't!) relate to the Equal Pay Act.

EarnIn’s Yvonne Chao and Ben LaRocco joined South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and other industry leaders, including representatives from South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, for the signing ceremony of S.700. This new law, the Earned Wage Access Services Act, is the culmination of dedicated efforts throughout the last legislative session to create a meaningful framework for EWA. S.700 offers essential regulatory clarity, ensuring that people in South Carolina can continue to access EWA services when they need them, helping to reduce dependency on high-cost alternatives. With robust consumer protections now in place, we’re optimistic about seeing this model spread to other states. It’s a step forward for responsible innovation, and it empowers a financially resilient workforce.

No so fast! Federal Judge Ada Brown from TX just ruled to bar the impending September 4 ban on non-competes, stating that the FTC overreached, lacking the authority to broadly ban these covenants. The court drama reveals a political tug-of-war, with the left aiming to strike non-compete use, and the right pushing to maintain the practice. The ongoing legal battle indicates a jousting of ideologies, with politically appointed judges likely to reverse decisions for months. The outcome may hinge on the November White House winner. The September 4 deadline is now off the table, pending a potential appeal from the FTC. US Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Suzanne Clark hails the ruling as a victory against government intervention in business choices. She labels the FTC's move as an overreach that could harm American workers, businesses, and the economy. Despite the decision, the debate continues on the relevance of non-competes for most American workers in today's evolving landscape. #JudgeAdaBrown #noncompetes #FTC #WhiteHouse #ChamberofCommerce #businessdecisions #Americanworkers #economy #legalnews

Please have a read of the latest client alert from the Labor & Employment practice at Phillips Nizer LLP

Because of this uphill battle, it is crucial to arm yourself with strong legal representation to ensure that you are maximizing your Missouri Workers’ Compensation benefits. Read more 👉 https://lttr.ai/AWfuO #WorkersComp #PersonalInjury #STL

While this ruling prevents the FTC’s proposed ban from taking effect, it does not mean that non-competes are no longer under scrutiny. State legislators across the country have been tightening restrictions or imposing outright bans (ahem, Minnesota) on non-compete agreements over the past few years. Be sure to check out our related article, which provides a full run down of these changes, their implications, and what they mean for your business: https://lnkd.in/gKnPiEDt

Here we go again! I've written before about #flipflopnation and the changes to #employmentlaw and #laborlaw we can anticipate as a new presidential administration begins in January 2025. Already, the governor of #California is calling the legislature back into session to shore up some agenda items; this may well happen in other states as well. Here's what to expect in 2025: 1. I-9 #immigration raids in the construction, hospitality and manufacturing industries. 2. The #noncompeteban advanced by the #FTC which is winding its way through the federal courts could be abandoned at the federal level. 3. Overhaul of the #NLRB and removal of its activist general counsel, Jennifer Abruzzo. 4. Rejection of the notion that student athletes should be classified as #employees. 5. Loosening of #OSHA standards, including repudiation of the #heatsafety rule. 6. #Paidfamilyleave to be left to the discretion of individual states. 7. A proposed change in #taxlaw, making #tips nontaxable. 8. Anticipated change in the chairs of the #EEOC and #NLRB (members have designated terms of years and cannot be removed prematurely but the chair wields a significant amount of power). 9. Changes making it easier to #decertify a #laborunion. 10. Rejection of the #jointemployer doctrine currently advanced by the #DepartmentofLabor. 11. #Independentcontractor standards could loosen (although state labor laws and court decisions would remain in play). Last but certainly not least, if the implementation of the #overtimerule and threshold for #exemptemployment is stayed until the inauguration, the rule could be reversed immediately upon Trump taking off. If it is not stayed, then it will go into effect on January 1, 2025, causing employers to change their payment methodology. It's an open question of whether some will elect to be in violation in the hope that the rule will be reversed a short three weeks later. One thing is for certain: the practice of #employmentlaw will certainly be exciting and challenging in 2025!

The central issue involves the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requirement that employers pay each employee at least a minimum wage. The Sixth Circuit held the FLSA entitles a minimum-wage employee to reimbursement of actual costs incurred on the employer's behalf, neither more nor less … not a reasonable approximation nor an IRS reimbursement rate that represents an average. This is just one salvo. The litigation will continue. Hire counsel who know the issues and how to present your best defenses.

February 13th, Michigan will officially repeal its Right-To-Work status. Will more midwestern states follow suit? Read about the ramifications of this new legislation, from both proponents and opponents in our latest blog. https://lnkd.in/gmVMwiKz

The FTC has just voted 3-2 to ban noncompetes, a move that will have significant implications for labor markets across the country. The new rule is set to go into effect in 120 days, and while it's a win for many workers, it's expected to face legal challenges. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has already indicated that it will seek to block implementation, so we can expect litigation on the horizon. Pictured here is FTC Chief Lina Khan at today's hearing. Stay tuned for more updates on this important development. #FTC #noncompete #laborlaw #employmentlaw #Cooley Cooley LLP