Extensio Law

Indigenous Peoples Day in the US celebrates and honors Indigenous American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures. It is celebrated across the United States on the second Monday in October, and in many places is an official city and state holiday. Supporters of the day say it may help bring attention to some of the ways Indigenous peoples are discriminated against and are disproportionately affected by climate change, gender violence and health issues, as well as to the Indigenous lands affected by mining, drilling and both public and private projects. The commemoration of Native American history and culture is recognized alongside Columbus Day, which has been historically observed on the same day.

Today is Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year for people who practice Judaism, and a time of atonement and reflection. To those in our community who observe, may you have a meaningful fast and a good holy day.

On October 1, 2024, Maryland’s Wage Range Transparency Act went into effect. As we reported earlier this year, the law expands wage transparency protections by requiring businesses to include in each job posting (public or internal): (1) a wage range; (2) a general description of benefits; and (3) any other associated compensation. Are you a Maryland employer? Read more here: https://bit.ly/4f1yVqf

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, and a time of rejoicing and introspection. Families will come together after sundown to begin to celebrate. We are wishing all who celebrate a good and sweet new year. Shana Tova!

The 2024 election season is upon us, and voters are intensely polarized, both ideologically and emotionally. Employees find personal significance in a wide spectrum of political and geopolitical issues, and workplace conflict is inevitable. Time off to vote will be requested. Now is the time to understand employees’ rights to engage in political speech and activities at work, review your policies, and plan ahead. Read more here: https://bit.ly/4eJYo7n

?? People get ready!?There’s a wage increase cooommmiiing! ?? ?? The January 1, 2024 FLSA increase to exempt employees’ salary level is likely to go into effect.? ?? Employers—it is time to start preparing. Using the new "Loper Bright" standard (the one that killed Chevron deference), the 5th circuit ruled that *DOL does have* the authority to “define and delimit” the terms of the executive, administrative, and professional exemptions.?DOL’s establishment of a minimum salary rule is within this authority.? This ruling (Mayfield v. DOL, 2024 WL 4142760 (5th Cir. Sept. 11, 2024)) was regarding the *2019* salary increase to $684.?However, all of the important litigation challenges to the 2024 rule are pending in Texas, which is in the 5th Circuit.?So unless a district judge decides to flip the 5th Circuit the bird, we can expect they also will rule in DOL’s favor. Take away: ?? If you have exempt employees making less than $58,656 per year ($1128 per week), you have 110 days to reclassify them as non-exempt or increase their salary. ?? If you increase the minimum salaries for these workers, consider the knock-on effects to your organization’s overall pay structure, salary bands, and market benchmarking.? #FLSA #EXEMPT #DOL

Our mission has five pillars. Every client we serve, every decision we make ~ these are our foundational priorities. #liveourvalues #service #hrlaw

"Labor gives birth to ideas." ~Jim Rohn Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. Observed the first Monday in September, the holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being. We are privileged to work every day in the field of HR, supporting brilliant humans who bring those ideas to life. (Except for Monday. We won't be working this Monday.??) Happy Labor Day!

On August 20, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas issued a final decision in a case before it concerning the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Final Rule against noncompete agreements that was set to take effect on September 4, 2024. The Court barred the Final Rule from taking effect against ANY employer, NATIONWIDE. Read more here: https://bit.ly/4duu94c #hrlaw #noncompetes #employmentlaw #restrictivecovenants

We are just back from our two-day Firm retreat in Portland, Maine. In addition to getting some serious work done, we explored the city, traveled across Casco Bay, and sampled some of the awesome local food. Thanks for the memories, Portland!?#teamextensio?#sharpeningthesaw Misti Mukherjee Raabia Cheema David Sotolongo Jacky Tully