Beginning in 2020, Employers May Reimburse Health Insurance Premiums as an Alternative to a Traditional Group Health Plan (Subject to Several Requirements)
Many employers have contacted us over the years asking whether they may offer an “employer–payment plan” rather than offer a traditional group health insurance plan. An employer-payment plan is a type of account-based plan that provides an employee reimbursement for all or a portion of the premium expense for individual health insurance coverage or other non-employer hospital or medical insurance.
Fifth Circuit Confirms that a Day Rate Can Meet the Salary Requirements under the FLSA’s White Collar Overtime Exemptions
On August 21, 2019, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued an opinion in Faludi v. U.S. Shale Solutions, L.L.C. that may prove to be an important decision for companies that utilize day rate compensation.1 The decision settled two important issues, concluding that: (1) a guaranteed day rate that provides compensation exceeding $455 can meet the Fair Labor Standard Act (“FLSA”) salary requirements for the white collar overtime exemptions, and (2) the FLSA’s reasonable relationship test does not apply to the highly compensated exemption.
Airline Industry Alert: DOL Announces Meeting to Solicit Public Input on Aviation Act Whistleblower Protection Provision – AIR21
Executive Summary: On August 20, 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) announced it will hold a meeting on October 8, 2019 in Washington, D.C., for the purpose of soliciting public comments from stakeholders on issues pertaining to whistleblower protections under the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (“AIR 21”). This meeting will be the fourth in a series of meetings held by OSHA with the goal of seeking public comments and suggestions on ways it can improve whistleblower customer service and further the public’s understanding of the whistleblower laws.
Stricter Cal/OSHA Standard on Lead Exposure Expected in September 2020
On June 27, 2019, California Governor Newsom approved Senate Bill 83. This budget bill contained a provision setting a September 30, 2020 deadline for Cal/OSHA to adopt a revised lead exposure standard. The bill requires Cal/OSHA to “revise the lead standards for purposes of general industry safety orders and construction safety orders, consistent with scientific research and findings.”
Illinois Expands State Human Rights Act to Include Employers with One or More Employees
An amendment to the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) expands the definition of “employer” from employers with at least 15 employees to those with one or more employees.
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