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ARTICLE · 03 JANUARY 2020

Littler Lightbulb: Shining A Light On Key Issues As We Leap Into 2020

Littler Mendelson
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The start of a new year always brings a fresh batch of employment concerns.

United StatesEmployment and HR
Daniel Thieme
Daniel Thieme
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The start of a new year always brings a fresh batch of employment concerns. While some workplace issues are evergreen, 2020 will present some unique challenges for employers. This Littler Lightbulb highlights some significant issues employers should keep in mind for the coming year.

  • Minimum Wage Increases. While Congress remains deadlocked on increasing the federal minimum wage, dozens of states and localities across the country will implement new minimum wages in 2020, not all of which will take effect on January 1. These increases vary not only by location, but also by employer size and industry.1
  • Minimum Exempt Salary Increases. The DOL's new "white collar" overtime exemption rule, with an increased minimum salary level of $684 per week, takes effect on January 1.  In addition, some states have minimum exempt salary levels that will continue to exceed the federal minimum, and those rates will rise on January 1 in Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, and

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