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Wage & Hour Developments

The regulatory landscape, appetite for administrative agency enforcement, and judicial interpretations related to wage-and-hour issues are rapidly evolving. Our blog is a one-stop resource for federal- and state-level updates and analysis on wage-and-hour-related developments affecting employers. Subscribe 🡢

Employees in the Office

California New Agreement on Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) Reform

On June 18, 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced an agreement to reform PAGA.

Labor Manufacturing

Recent District of Arizona Opinions Divided Regarding Judicial Approval of Fair Labor Standards Act Settlements

Recent opinions issued in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona over the past few months have taken a divided approach regarding judicial approval of settlements under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Fast Food

Minimum Wage in Certain California Localities to Increase July 1, 2024

As reported here, as of January 1, 2024, California's state minimum wage increased to $16 per hour for all employers.

Women in the workplaces

New York State Budget Brings Employment-Related Developments

The recent passage of the New York state budget brought with it a range of employment-related developments, as well as the notable omission of an expected change. These include the following:

Healthcare worker looking through a microscope.

Minimum Wage for California Healthcare Workers Delayed Until July 1, 2024

As we previously reported, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law SB 525, which provides a tiered approach for minimum wages for the state's healthcare workers.

U.S. Capitol at sunset

Washington, D.C., Wage Transparency Law Set to Take Effect

On June 30, 2024, in Washington, D.C., the Wage Transparency Omnibus Amendment Act of 2023 (Act) will go into effect after surviving a 30-day congressional review period.

Office People Meeting

Washington Expands Equal Pay Law To Cover All Protected Classes

Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed into law Substitute House Bill 1905 on March 28, 2024, broadening the scope of Washington's Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (EPOA).

Labor & Employment, people in an office setting

Federal Wage Hour Watchdog Weighs in on Employers’ AI Use

Employers are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI)-powered systems to monitor employee activities ranging from schedules and timecards to performance.

Workplace

Los Angeles County Approves Fair Workweek Ordinance

The county of Los Angeles' new Fair Workweek Ordinance will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Worksite

California Supreme Court Permits Good Faith Belief Defense on Wage Statement Violations

An employee who suffers injury due to an employer's "knowing and intentional failure" to comply with wage statement requirements is entitled to penalties.

Group of people standing over a table in a conference room.

US Department of Labor Increases Salary Threshold for Exempt Employees

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a final rule on April 23, 2024, increasing the minimum salary and compensation thresholds for certain overtime exemptions (the Final Rule) under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The Final Rule has a stated effective date of July 1, 2024.

Tax paperwork

Deadline for California Employer’s Pay Reports Fast Approaches

The deadline to comply with California pay reporting requirements is fast approaching.

Handshake

The California Supreme Court Clarifies Compensable Time

The California Supreme Court recently issued a decision in Huerta v. CSI Electrical Contractors addressing three questions from the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit regarding Wage Order No. 16 (which applies to certain on-site occupations in the construction, drilling, logging, and mining industries) and the scope of the term "hours worked."

Office and Employees

Arizona District Court Denies Summary Judgment on Joint Employment Relationship Issue

Recently, the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona held in Castillo v. Spencer's Air Conditioning & Appliance, Inc., 2024 WL 706939, that while the question of whether an entity is a joint employer under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a question of law, summary judgment was not appropriate because there were material disputed facts at issue in the analysis of the economic reality of an alleged joint employment relationship.

Labor & Employment, people in an office setting

March Tip of the Month: Employees May Now Sue Employers for Alleged Violations of the New York City Earned Safe and Sick Leave Law

In an important change, beginning on March 20, 2024, employees may file lawsuits, including class actions, against their employers for alleged violations of New York City's Earned Safe and Sick Time Act (the Sick Leave Law), rather than having to rely on agency enforcement actions.