Department of Labor Issues Final Rule on Worker Classification Under FLSA , Returning to More Employee- Friendly Status
On January 9, 2024, the United States Department of Labor (DOL) issued its long-awaited final rule (“Final Rule”) regarding worker classification under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA or the “Act”).
The Final Rule — which takes effect March 11, 2024 — outlines the DOL’s “new” test for determining whether a worker is an employee (and is thus covered by the Act’s overtime and minimum wage protections) or an independent contractor for purposes of the FLSA. While the Final Rule is not itself “controlling” precedent, it reflects the DOL’s take on worker classification, which courts and other stakeholders use as guidance when addressing classification questions. READ MORE
FTC Announces Special Open Commission Meeting on Rule to Ban Noncompetes
Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina M. Khan announced that a special Open Commission Meeting will be held virtually on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 2pm ET.
The following item will be on the agenda:
The Commission will vote on whether to issue a proposed final rule that would prevent most employers from enforcing noncompetes against workers. The proposed final rule being considered would generally prevent most employers from using noncompete clauses. As the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking explained, noncompetes are a widespread and often exploitative practice that suppresses wages, hampers innovation, and blocks entrepreneurs from starting new businesses. The proposed final rule the Commission will consider stems from the notice of proposed rulemaking the FTC issued in January 2023, which was subject to a 90-day public comment period. - READ MORE
Supply Chains and Corrugated Packaging: A Marriage Made to Last -
Supply chains are under extreme pressure to become more efficient, secure and predictable in today’s global economy. As the “small world” grows smaller and more firmly interconnected, the need for fast, nimble supply chain operations just intensifies.
Amidst all the new technologies and solutions being explored and implemented across supply chains, one thing has remained constant: the enduring relationship between product packaging and distribution, and the superb protection corrugated boxes provide for products traveling from end to end – manufacturer to end user. - READ MORE
The Push for More Recycled Content
Paper and packaging companies have been making an effort to use more recycled content over the past several years, with 25 expansion projects or new builds announced since 2017, according to data from the Brattleboro, Vermont-based Northeast Recycling Council (NERC). -READ MORE
5 Packaging Innovation Trends to Watch in 2024: SPC
AI, digital labeling and “paperization” top the movements highlighted in the Sustainable Packaging Coalition’s inaugural Packaging Innovation Trends Report. -READ MORE
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