Springfield Regional Chamber to Host Forum on New Labor Laws
SPRINGFIELD — Last spring, the U.S. Department of Labor released its much-anticipated rule regarding overtime exempt status, which raises the salary threshold and could extend overtime pay to more than 4 million workers who are currently ineligible. In addition, in August, Gov. Charlie Baker signed a new law aimed at strengthening pay equity in the Commonwealth, which imposes rigorous equal-pay obligations and prohibits certain pay-related conduct.
John Gannon, attorney with Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C., will explore the impact of both these issues at the Springfield Regional Chamber Lunch ‘n’ Learn on Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Colony Club, 1500 Main St., Springfield.
Gannon will break down the overtime rule and the pay-equity legislation to ensure businesses are in legal compliance. He will discuss the new salary thresholds for overtime exemptions; how companies can use bonuses, incentive payments, and commissions to meet the new threshold; how the new automatic update to the minimal salary threshold will impact a business in the future; what steps business leaders should take to ensure compliance; the new restrictions on pay and hiring practices required by the new pay-equity law; changes needed to job applications, interviewing techniques, and recruiting procedures; pay-equity protection for employers who audit pay practice; and more.
Gannon has defended employers against claims of discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and wrongful termination, as well as actions arising under the Family Medical Leave Act and wage-and-hour law, and has experience with lawsuits seeking to enforce restrictive covenants and protect trade secrets. He frequently assists employers in litigation-avoidance strategies and has reviewed numerous employee handbooks and related policies for compliance, as well as employment and non-compete agreements. He has conducted comprehensive wage-and-hour and employment-practices audits and regularly counsels employers on compliance with state and federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, and Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Gannon is a regular contributor to business publications and to the Massachusetts Employment Law Letter. He is also a frequent speaker on employment-related legal topics for a wide variety of associations and organizations, including appearances on Western Mass News and the Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly podcast sessions.
Reservations for the Nov. 9 Lunch ‘n’ Learn are $25 for Springfield Regional Chamber members and $35 for general admission. Registration includes lunch and one-on-one discussions with Gannon. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.
