U.S. Department of Labor

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In response to the coronavirus outbreak, the U.S. Department of Labor recently announced new guidance outlining ways states can be more flexible in administering and expanding unemployment insurance (UI) programs in order to assist employees affected by COVID-19.

Generally speaking, UI is a joint state–federal program that provides cash benefits to eligible workers. Although each state has discretion to establish its own eligibility guidelines, an employee typically is eligible for UI benefits if they:

  • Are unemployed through no fault of their own;
  • Meet certain work and wage requirements; and
  • Meet any other additional state requirements.

Continue Reading States expand unemployment benefits for employees impacted by COVID-19

Shortly after the U.S. Department of Labor’s new overtime rule was finalized, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) followed suit and finalized its own proposed overtime rule. Regulation 12-106 was set to exceed the new federal rule regarding the minimum salary to be paid to employees who are exempt from overtime. The new federal threshold of $684 per week ($35,568 per year) goes into effect on January 1, 2020. Regulation 12-106 would have phased Pennsylvanians in executive, administrative, and professional roles into a new minimum salary requirement of $875 per week ($45,500 per year) by 2022. The threshold would have adjusted automatically every three years beginning in 2023.

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission was set to consider Regulation 12-206 yesterday, November 21, 2019. But about an hour before the meeting was to begin, the regulation was withdrawn. L&I advised in a brief letter that “legislation could be passed before the end of this year that would invalidate portions of this regulation.”Continue Reading Pennsylvania wage rules: Changes on the horizon

On May 27, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published updated model Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) notices and certification forms. Copies of the updated forms, which should be used through May 31, 2018, are available on the DOL’s website.

The most notable change to the forms is their reference to the Genetic…