On January 6, 2021, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued a new framework to determine whether workers are employees or independent contractors for the purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The distinction between these classifications is significant, as it impacts whether the employer must pay minimum wage or keep records pertaining to the

As we have previously reported, New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed into law a new comprehensive sick-leave program for all New York employees. The sick-leave law became effective September 30, 2020, for the purposes of accruing leave, and employees are eligible to take sick leave under the law as early as January 1,

Welcome to the Fall 2020 issue of The Employment Law Reporter!

This issue of The Employment Law Reporter first discusses a number of recent employment discrimination cases and then reviews cases involving complaints stemming from non-competition  agreements. All of the decisions analyzed in this issue are by New York courts – federal and state.

Many

The EEOC recently issued new guidance regarding employees who legally use, or have previously used, opioids. The guides provide important clarification for employees and healthcare providers regarding the interplay between the ADA and the country’s growing opioid crisis.

The new guidance addresses three groups of employees: (1) individuals legally using opioids; (2) individuals who are

Welcome to the Summer 2020 issue of The Employment Law Reporter. This inaugural issue of this quarterly newsletter first reviews the landmark U.S. Supreme Court opinion in which the Court ruled that an employer that fires an individual merely for being gay or transgender violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday, June 15, 2020, that the ban on sex discrimination in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects homosexual and transgender workers. In a 6 to 3 decision with Justice Neil M. Gorsuch writing for the majority, the Court interpreted the Civil Rights Act of 1964’s prohibition

North Carolina District Court Permits Plan’s Lawsuit Against Third Party Administrator to Continue

A federal district court in North Carolina has ruled that a plan subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) had standing to assert breach-of-fiduciary duty claims under ERISA against a third party health insurance administrator for the plan.

U.S. Supreme Court Interprets “Actual Knowledge” Test for Suits Against ERISA Fiduciaries

The U.S. Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, has ruled that a plaintiff in a lawsuit alleging a fiduciary breach under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) did not have “actual knowledge” of the information contained in disclosures that the

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has updated its guidance on workplace laws during the COVID-19 outbreak. The guidance, updated on April 17, 2020, assists employers with navigating pandemic-related issues. In a question-and-answer format, the EEOC clarifies topics such as the confidentiality of medical information, inquiries about employee symptoms and providing reasonable accommodations.

The

As we all face these challenging times, it is  more important than ever to remain committed and focused on diversity and inclusion. Many employees, especially those who are underrepresented, may feel increasingly overlooked.

Rivkin Radler remains committed to our Development, Diversity and Inclusion initiative, and as a reminder of the importance of connectivity during these unusual days, the following are some helpful tips:

1. Be cognizant of who you are assigning