Restaurants, more than any other industry, are targets for Federal and New York State Department of Labor audits, as well as private wage and hour lawsuits. Failing to properly pay workers or keep appropriate payroll records can lead to significant financial exposure for employers. The biggest danger areas that result in liability for restaurants include…
Non-compete agreements can offer valuable protection to an employer’s business interests. They are among the 10 items employers should consider including in their employee hiring packages. These agreements provide that “one party (usually an employee) will not enter into or start a similar profession or trade in competition against another party (usually the employer).” This…
As you are aware, federal changes to wage and hour laws continue to be on hold. However, New York State has enacted a number of new laws that employers must comply with in 2017. Exemption Status and Wage Increases In May 2016, the Federal Department of Labor (“DOL”) issued new rules regarding the threshold “white…
Employers need to prepare for two big changes going into effect next month. The new rules for determining whether an employee is “exempt” from overtime pay and increases in minimum hourly wages will have a significant impact on businesses. Here’s what you need to know: Increase in Federal Exemption Status Effective December 1, 2016, the…
A significant portion of successful companies on Long Island are closely-held family businesses. As these companies transition to the next generation, they are facing a new employment law landscape which poses additional challenges. In many cases, the older and younger generations don’t agree on how to change employment practices to avoid liability. The key to…
Many employers hire high school or college students, or recent graduates as interns. The internship model is simple: the employer gives the intern experience, a good reference and something valuable on their resume, and in exchange, the intern provides some service to the employer that enhances its business. In most instances, the intern is either…
As expected, the Federal Department of Labor (“DOL”) has issued new rules regarding the threshold “white collar” exemption from overtime pay. The DOL has increased the minimum pay threshold from $23,660 to $47,476 per year. The minimum threshold in New York State is already $35,000 per year. The DOL has also increased the minimum salary…
If you’re a business owner and have employees, you need to know that the New York State Legislature has recently passed a new law that will greatly impact you and your business over the next 5 years. Specifically, in the next three to five years (depending on where your business is located within New York…
