Workplace Investigation Reminder:

When Wishing it Away Won't Work

On March 31st a jury awarded a former employee $5M following a claim alleging at least five (5) violations of the ADA and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Defendants in the case included his former employer, two HR Business Partners, and a manager! What happened?

U.S. DOL Issues Proposed Joint Employer Rule

On April 22, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to revise its analysis for assessing joint employer status under the FLSA and FMLA. This rule determines if and how your company may be held liable for certain actions of another employer, including any of your contractors or vendors.

Bonus Bites Back (Again!)

Speaking of the DOL, last month they announced a recovery of $122,476 in back wages for 140 workers. The DOL's investigation found an employer failed to pay workers their full wages, in violation of the FLSA. How? The employer did not include non-discretionary bonuses when calculating overtime wages for non-exempt workers. 

It's High Time?

Marijuana Moves One Step Closer to Broad Rescheduling

The Justice Department and Drug Enforcement Agency have issued an order immediately placing both FDA-approved products containing marijuana and marijuana products regulated by a state medical marijuana license in Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. The order also initiates an expedited administrative hearing process to consider the broader rescheduling of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. What does this mean for employers?

It's that Time of Year - Almost!

FiveL's 20th Annual Employment Law, Legislative & Regulatory Update Webcast, May 22nd

Registration is now open and includes the handout, per person access to the full-day live and recorded event, and pre-approved by HRCI and SHRM for 6.5 credits. All at the same price since 2020!! $99 per person.