Tag: DOL guidance

DOL’s Proposed Rule Aims to Tighten Independent Contractor Definition

As the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) prepares to publish a new proposed rule on how individuals can be classified, employers are being warned to expect a tougher time justifying an independent contractor classification. The DOL will publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on October 13 aimed at clarifying how workers can be classified under […]

misclassification

Determining Independent Contractors: Sometimes the Government Loses

There’s been an ongoing battle between employers and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) over when someone is considered an independent contractor versus an employee. A recent decision from the U.S. 8th Circuit Court of Appeals to reverse summary judgment (dismissal without trial) in favor of the DOL gives employers some guidance and reason for […]

Employers of Tipped Workers Advised to Be Ready for More Recordkeeping

Employers that take advantage of the “tip credit” will have to monitor and document their tipped employees’ tasks much more closely than they have in the past under a new rule from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The new rule, which takes effect December 28, says employers may take a tip credit only for […]

Hacker

Best Practices to Protect Your Data: Reviewing DOL’s Cybersecurity Instructions

With the recent spike in cybersecurity breaches rippling through all corners of the global business landscape, the surging interest in data protection has caused even the highest departments of state to take note and weigh in.  In April 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Employee Benefits Security Administration issued a cybersecurity guidance to help […]

Intern

New Policy on Internships Puts DOL, Courts on Same Page

The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) announcement that it is nixing its 2010 guidance on unpaid internships in favor of a less-rigid test puts the agency in line with recent appellate court rulings on the issue, according to an attorney following the matter.

DOL rescinds joint-employment, independent contractor guidance

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has withdrawn two major Obama-era guidance documents, one addressing joint employment and one dealing with independent contractors. The move, while not a surprise, is good news for employers, according to H. Juanita Beecher, an attorney with Fortney & Scott and editor of Federal Employment Law Insider. The Obama administration […]

Employers face greater scrutiny for employee misclassification

by Ryan B. Frazier Employers sometimes classify employees incorrectly under the law. For example, employees may be treated as independent contractors, who are considered self-employed. Although misclassification may be intentional, it is most often done mistakenly under a belief that workers are properly classified.  Employees are misclassified for many reasons. Employers may try to avoid […]