Understanding the Intersection of FMLA and State Paid Family Leave Programs
LThe Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 grants eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave annually for specific family and medical reasons. While FMLA leave is typically unpaid, employees may choose—or employers may require—the substitution of accrued paid leave to cover this period. This means that an employee’s accrued paid…
Nationwide Injunction Halts Corporate Transparency Act Enforcement
The injunction comes in response to legal challenges raised by business groups, which argued that the CTA’s requirements posed undue burdens on small businesses. While this ruling provides temporary relief, it is important to note that it is a preliminary measure and subject to change as the case proceeds.
Major Shift: DOL’s FLSA Salary Threshold Rule Vacated
Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a final rule under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that significantly increased the salary thresholds for exempt employees. This change, which aimed to extend overtime eligibility to an estimated 4 million workers, was expected to reshape workforce classifications nationwide. However, a recent court decision…
LUCHANSKY LAW ENFORCEMENT ALERT: Maryland Trucking Company Ordered to Pay $46K in Back Wages and Damages; Driver Reinstated After Whistleblower Investigation
TrueStart Transport LLC, a Maugansville-based freight and heavy-haul trucking provider, has been ordered by the U.S. Department of Labor to pay $46,094 in back wages and damages to an employee wrongfully terminated for refusing to drive an oversized load without the required safety precautions. This decision follows an investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which…
Maryland’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) Program: Key Details and Implications for Employers
Maryland is preparing to implement the Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) Program: Are you Prepared? Maryland is on track to implement the Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) Program, which will enable eligible employees to take paid time off for a range of personal and family health reasons beginning July 1, 2026. This initiative,…
AI in Hiring: Key Lessons from the Workday Bias Suit for Employers
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape hiring practices, employers are increasingly facing legal challenges related to potential discrimination. The recent Workday AI Bias Lawsuit serves as a significant reminder of the risks associated with automated decision tools (ADTs). In this case, Workday was accused of using an AI system that allegedly discriminated against minority job applicants,…
FTC Appeals Ruling Against Noncompete Ban: What Employers Need to Know
On October 18, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) officially filed an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, challenging a district court ruling that struck down the agency’s proposed ban on most noncompete agreements. This move follows the August 20 decision by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District…
When Telework Isn’t a Reasonable Accommodation: Lessons from the D.C. Circuit
A recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit highlights a key issue in the employment law space: the importance of engaging in a meaningful, interactive process when employees request accommodations for disabilities. This case makes it clear that employers cannot simply mandate telework as a one-size-fits-all solution, especially…
Employers Can Challenge FMLA Certifications Without Obtaining Additional Medical Opinions
Employers across the country are increasingly faced with the question of whether they must seek additional medical opinions when challenging a doctor’s certification under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). A recent ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals clarifies that employers are not obligated to do so. This decision aligns with…
Missed the Deadline? How to Comply with Maryland’s Wage Range Transparency Act Post-October 1
Maryland Wage Range Transparency Act: What Employers Need to Know and Do Now By Luchansky Law Maryland’s Wage Range Transparency Act took effect on October 1, 2024, expanding the state’s Equal Pay for Equal Work law. This law mandates employers to disclose wage ranges in job postings, aiming to increase transparency and reduce wage disparities.…