Insights

The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division released a Field Assistance Bulletin (FAB) providing guidance about employer obligations and worker protections under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for remote employees.  

Late last month, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear Groff v. DeJoy, a case that could potentially change the legal landscape for employers handling accommodation requests for an employee’s religious beliefs and practices under Title VII. In short, it is reasonable to anticipate that this case could make it more difficult for employers to deny religious accommodations.

In an effort to remain one of the leading major U.S. cities in environmental conservation, the City of Chicago passed the 2022 Chicago Energy Transformation Code, which amends the previous 2019 code. The amended code expands upon Chicago’s commitment to addressing climate change, building energy efficiency and reducing its carbon footprint. Statistics show that buildings in Chicago produce 69% of the city’s emissions. These amendments aim to reduce carbon emissions by 62% from 2017 levels by 2040.  This article focuses primarily on the commercial provisions of the code, the scope of which apply to “commercial buildings (all buildings not included in the definition of ‘residential building’), the building site and associated systems and equipment.” Importantly, the amended code only applies to permit applications that require architectural plans that began on or after November 1, 2022 with certain additional requirements being phased in for projects commencing after January 1, 2023.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (“Appropriations Act”) was signed by President Biden and became law on December 29, 2022. Included in the Appropriations Act is the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 (“Secure Act”), which includes various changes affecting retirement.  Highlighted below are some of the key provisions of the Secure Act.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released a new workplace poster titled “Know Your Rights,” which replaces the former “EEO is the Law” poster. Covered employers are required to hang these posters in the workplace.