Labor Law Updates

Did you know that federal and state agencies aren’t the only authorities issuing labor law postings? These days, many cities and counties require businesses to post additional employee notices. Because it’s a fairly new trend, you may not even be aware if you’re affected — or to what extent, if you operate in multiple cities. But for total compliance, you need to add local-level postings to your posting compliance responsibilities.

Ten to 15 years ago, the idea of workers doing their jobs remotely was practically unheard of. Not anymore. In addition to a 50 percent increase in remote jobs in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields in 2018, remote work is on the rise in finance, banking, insurance, healthcare, and real estate.

The federal-level minimum wage hasn’t budged since 2009, remaining at $7.25/hr. a full decade later. On the state level, however, it’s quite a different story. During this time, numerous states and cities have stepped in and passed their own, higher minimum wages. In the past year alone, minimum wage increases took effect in approximately 75 states, cities and counties across the nation. These increases make up the biggest portion of mandatory postings employers must monitor and manage.

When Donald Trump became President, he and the new Republican administration promised a decrease — or even rollback — of federal employment laws and regulations. But has federal deregulation eased the compliance burden? Surprisingly, the answer is no. When federal activity slows, states and cities step in to fill the gaps.

Businesses everywhere struggle to maintain labor law posting compliance. Labor law postings are mandated by both federal and state governments with some states requiring up to 20 posters. It’s not something business owners can just display and forget; postings change regularly.