Compliance Stuff

  On August 21, 2025, the Supreme Court of California ruled that employers must demonstrate that they took reasonable steps to comply with minimum wage laws to mount a good-faith defense against liquidated damages. The decision in  Iloff v. LaPaille  overturned an earlier state appellate court decision. The Supreme Court of California also ruled, with respect to claims for paid sick leave, that there is no private right of action to recover administrative penalties. Quick Hits The Supreme Court of California recently determined that employers need to show they tried to understand and comply with the state minimum wage rules in order to avoid paying liquidated damages after a violation. What constitutes a reasonable attempt will vary depending on the type of employer and the context. Arguing that the employer was ignorant of the minimum wage law is not sufficient for a good-faith defense. For paid sick leave claims, there is no private right of action to recover administra...

  The New York State Department of Labor (NYDOL) has issued informal guidance regarding the Paid Prenatal Leave benefit that will be available to New York employees beginning January 1, 2025 .  The guidance includes   general information   about the new benefit, as well as a   Frequently Asked Questions   page.  As we  previously reported , the State’s 2025 fiscal year budget expanded the New York State Paid Sick Leave Law to include a requirement for employers to provide up to 20 hours of paid leave during any 52-week period for employees to attend prenatal appointments or obtain health care services during or related to their pregnancy.  Paid Prenatal Leave does not accrue and is available to employees immediately upon a covered need for same.  Paid Prenatal Leave may be taken in 1 hour increments. The newly issued guidance provides some additional details around the new benefit.  Some key points from the guidance are as follows: ...