COVID-19 Relief Bill Allows Employers to Voluntarily Extend FFCRA Leave and Claim Tax Credits Through March 31, 2021

On December 21, 2020, Congress passed a large appropriations bill containing $900B in COVID relief. President Trump signed the bill on December 27, 2020. The bill extends tax credits for eligible employers who voluntarily choose to allow employees to take leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) through March 31, 2021. As we … Read more

Prepare Now for New York State Minimum Wage and Salary Threshold Updates

Effective December 31, 2020, the minimum wage for non-exempt employees will increase in NewYork. The following reflects the new minimum wage, effective December 31, 2020, for all employees in New York (with the exception of fast food workers): Location 12/31/19 12/31/20 12/31/21 NYC – Large Employers (of 11 or more) $15.00 $15.00 NYC – Small … Read more

New York State WARN Act Amended to Expand List of Entities that Must Receive Notice

On November 11, 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation which amends the New York State Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (“NY WARN Act”) by expanding the list of governmental entities that must receive advance notice of a WARN-triggering event.  As you may be aware, the NY WARN Act requires covered businesses to provide 90 days … Read more

Mayor de Blasio Signs into Law Significant Amendments to the New York City Earned Safe and Sick Time Act

On September 28, 2020, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio signed a bill into law significantly amending the New York City Earned Safe and Sick Time Act (“NYC ESSTA”). The new law was enacted to better align with New York State’s new paid sick leave law (“NYS Paid Sick Leave Law”) and make the … Read more

COBRA Notices Become Recent Target of ERISA Class Action Lawsuits

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”) enables employees and their dependents to extend health coverage under an employer’s group health plan when coverage would otherwise be lost due to termination of employment or other “qualifying events.” Under COBRA, employees must receive specific notices explaining their COBRA rights. Recently, there has been an increase of class action … Read more

U.S. DOL Issues Proposed Rule on Classification of Independent Contractors Under the FLSA

Submitted by Ali Law Group PC on September 26, 2020 On September 22, 2020, the United States Department of Labor (“DOL”) announced a proposed rule to clarify whether a worker is deemed an “employee” under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) or an “independent contractor.” Under the proposed rule, the DOL would adopt an “economic … Read more